#but I didn't know it was right after s7

[bardicious]

More adventures into reading Supernatural spoilers, wait, so, you're telling me Sam gave up the hunter life post s7? And what? Am I supposed to blame him for that?

[oveliagirlhaditright]

I guess it's not overly common, or maybe it is and it's just in fiction, because there's plenty of them, and good in depth ones...but I also have always kind of liked or at least had interest for Bangelus I always was bummed there was never another meeting w them. It was something of ATS that didn't make sense since she was all he thought about last time he was out and he even almost ended the world. It was waste that rematch never happened....

I definitely agree, anon. I imagine a lot of it has to do with the legal issues at the time, of course. With Buffy and Angel being on different networks and the networks not really wanting the different characters to appear on each other's shows.

And, perhaps, the writers felt like if they had a Buffy vs. Angelus thing again--even if there would of course be some differences this time--it would be too much like Buffy season two, so instead they had Angelus vs. Faith instead (which I do love).

But it definitely is weird that Angelus didn't seem to mention Buffy much in Angel season 4, when she was all he thought about before. I think the most we get is him calling Buffy "a pistol," (which is a great line), and him calling Dawn and asking if Buffy's there (to figure out if the Slayer in town he's hearing about is Buffy or Faith), right?

To be honest, we can't deny that some of this might also be because season four is where a lot of where the Angel/C*ordelia plot line is. And during that, the show kind of stopped mentioning Buffy (to maybe try and give the illusion that Angel had moved on some, to try and get the audience to stop thinking of the Angel/Buffy pairing, or moreover to get people to not question... "Wait, how is Angel pursuing a relationship when he still has the curse when the whole reason he left Buffy is because he can't have a relationship if he still has the curse?"). So that might also be part of it. But I definitely think it's moreso the first points.

And, I know I'm biased here, of course (though I do still enjoy Angel/C*ordelia some, though Angel/Buffy is my OTP now), but I don't think Angelus really had feelings for C*ordelia (Buffy seems to be the only person that both the man and demon in him loved). Or if he did, it wasn't like what he felt for Buffy. Because if he had, wouldn't they have made him crazy like his feelings for Buffy had? Like, wouldn't he have wanted to destroy her for making him love her, too, if that had been a thing? So I don't think something like "Angelus had feelings for C*ordelia and that's why he didn't really think about Buffy in season four" was a thing.

The closest we probably ever get to seeing Buffy and Angelus ever interact again in canon is the comics (I don't know if you've read those, anon).

In season 8, I feel like Twilight (this other persona of Angel's, who, is, like partly good and partly bad; and also being possessed by his and Buffy's kind-of-evil kid [it's a super long and complicated story)] is kind of Angelus-like to me. But also Angel-like some. And yes, he and Buffy do end up fighting.

And then in season 10, Angelus makes a brief appearance (when his great-grandsire brings him out again) and he jealously attacks Spike in knowing that at the moment Buffy has chosen to be with him instead. And this definitely seems to hint, of course, that Angelus has finally accepted his feelings for Buffy by this point (the Twilight stuff kind of did, too--if you choose to see Twilight as partly Angelus at all--since he was choosing to be with Buffy and trying to create a perfect world with her, where they and everyone they loved could be together).

There's also a part in the tie-in book "Monster Island" (that takes place in early Buffy season 6 and Angel season 3), where Buffy and Angel (and Gunn) are kidnapped by the Big Bad of the book's minions. To try and get them out, Tara casts a spell to get all magical creatures to attack each other (thinking the demons would then turn against each other, and they could just easily swoop in and save Buffy and Angel at that point). But she didn't count on Buffy and Angel also being magical creatures, of course (or even herself being a magical creature), so Buffy and Angel are trying to break from their bonds to kill each other. And Angel is starting to be very Angelus-like (like, Angel even thinks that), though he's trying to fight it.

...This reply is all over the place. And I don't know if it makes much sense. Sorry about that! But like you, I do kind of wish that we'd gotten more Bangelus in canon! Like, it's cool that in the comics it seems that Angelus has undergone some sort of journey offscreen and accepted his love for Buffy, but I wish we had seen that onscreen somewhere.

But oh well. I guess that's what fanfiction is for:)

Thanks for the ask!

Edit: There's also more Buffy and Angelus in the book "Night Terrors," a Buffy Choose Your Own Adventure book. But if you get on the path where Angelus shows up, it's sort of an alternate canon to Buffy season two, as he shows up earlier there than he did in season two (before he and Buffy make love, etc.).

Angelus is also in the book "One Thing or Your Mother," and the classic comic "Ring of Fire," but they're more missing moments/episodes from season two, than Angelus showing up in a later season and seeing Buffy again or anything like that. I do highly recommend both, however, since you're a Bangelus fan. Especially "One Thing or Your Mother." Oh! And in the tie-in-novel "Here Be Monsters" (that takes place during Buffy season three), there's a section where Buffy is seeing her worst nightmares. I think it's Angelus she sees (and I think she sees herself killing him again? it's been a while), who tells her that she knows how their story is going to have to end (with her killing him once more), and she'd better make it stick this time.

In the tie-in book, "The Evil That Men Do" (a book that takes place in season three), Buffy and Angel are kidnapped by Helen (a former vampire lover of Angelus') and her lover and forced to try to kill each other in a gladiator-like game. They pretend that they've turned on each other to get out of it and get their enemies to try to kill one another (as Helen's lover was always jealous of her and Angelus, and now he fears they're going to be together again).

In the classic comic "City of Despair" (that takes place in Buffy season 4/Angel season 1) Buffy and Angel are abducted to another dimension (called the City of Despair, actually), and forced to battle each other. They both have these collars on their necks, that are impossible to remove and will kill them if they disobey. They're also, like, almost forced to fight against their will: their bodies moving with a mind of their own, I mean. But eventually Buffy realizes that it's literally people's despair keeping them there. She convinces Angel to try to fight against the feeling with her for just one moment: the two of them embrace, and then escape.

Edit 2: Wait. I guess there's also the Buffy book "Big Bad," that has Buffy and Angelus in it, but I haven't read it yet. So I can't tell you how good or in-character that one is atm. And unlike how the original tie-in books and classic comics were always okayed by at least one of the original writers, I'm not sure if these new novels have been. I'm thinking not?

Edit 3: And though a part of me is loath to mention Boom, since they're not canon and I have... not very positive emotions about these comics in a lot of ways. In the first Buffy/Angel comic they were doing, Angel ended up possessed by something called the Hellmother, I believe it was called, while he and Buffy were on a mission in the Hellmouth together. And then Buffy ended up having to fight him.

[tenisperfection]

Worship, a Buck/Tommy drabble. A few months post S7.

It's during the seventh time Tommy kisses his left temple that it clicks for Buck.

Buck from five years ago would've needed to check in with his partner immediately. Buck would've wanted to know, would've wanted to beg and then given in to want, pleading for them to say it in all but those exact words, yes, this is where I kiss you, this is the spot I claim. I have favorite spots now. I leave traces of me on you and then I return home to them and to you.

When Buck clocks Tommy's spot, he says nothing. He's pretty sure this is a recurrence though, and for the next few days, Buck counts one, two, five, eleven more times that Tommy kisses him there, each one lingering longer but just as affectionate as the previous one.

Buck says nothing but begins to wait for them with the desperation of a man spotting water after days without.

"Did you finish that book, baby? Gemma wanted to borrow it if you're done," Tommy says after dinner one night, mussing up Buck's hair as he passes by to grab their empty plates. Buck's chest tingles when Tommy doesn't move away.

"Okay," he says after three seconds of distraction, and only realizes when Tommy moves towards the sink that he neither answered Tommy's question nor did he get kissed.

Tommy, because he's Tommy, doesn't miss a beat.

"You okay, baby? You seem a little distracted." Buck hears the faucet turn on, the clink of porcelain as Tommy deftly washes them.

"Um, yeah, just thinking about the book. I'm getting to the good part," Buck babbles, and though he'd been reading it less than three hours ago while on shift, he can't for the life of him remember what the good part was.

Tommy, because he knows when Buck is looking for an out, doesn't ask. Buck watches the muscles in his back as he bends over the sink, the way his thin blue t-shirt billows around his waist. It's not a shirt that Tommy wears with company, and Buck knows when he turns around, he'd be able to spot a tiny hole at the collar from the time that Tommy had bit into it, too invested in winning a game of Mario Kart against Eddie.

That night, after Tommy slips out of him and they jump into and out of the shower, Tommy kisses his temple twice as they wrap up in the biggest towels Buck owns. It's somewhere around this kiss that Buck loses count.

~~~

It's months later when Buck finally asks, and Tommy smiles so wide that Buck has no choice but to kiss him.

"You're starting to get a few gray hairs at your temple," Tommy says, expression abashed, like he thinks Buck would revolt. Five years ago, Buck would've gone down a tailspin of horror at this revelation, reaching for the internet and the bottle of hair dye within seconds.

Now, Buck wiggles his eyebrows. "Me going gray does it for you, old man?"

Tommy swats his ass even as he pulls Buck in with the other arm, surrounding him with his body. "Maybe. But being here to witness it definitely does. Per my last count, you now have three."

"You're lucky you didn't tell Buck 1.0 this," Buck kisses him because he's irresistible like this, eyes twinkling with so much fondness for Buck, watching and kissing him as they watch the night slip into day, week after week, month after month.

"Eddie says you've gone through more versions than a Windows computer," Tommy grins, then tilts his head at Buck. "You think we'd have hit it off if we met back then?"

"I don't know," Buck teases, drawing back, "you won't have my grays to kiss then, so who knows, maybe we'd have fizzled out."

"So you're saying our entire relationship hinges on your grays?" Tommy quips back.

"No, you said that," because he can be a brat with Tommy. Buck's starting to think he can be anything with Tommy.

Tommy's eyes grow serious in that way where he switches between emotions effortlessly. "I'd have found something else, Evan. Maybe the freckle on your nose,"—Tommy kisses the arch of his nose—"or the birthmark behind your ear,"—"Tommy kisses behind his right earlobe—"or this one right here." When Tommy kisses the birthmark over his left eye, Buck shivers. Tommy lets Buck kiss him and pour everything he's feeling into Tommy even if he can't quite find the words to say it, like how Tommy makes him feel iridescent, though he feels the most settled he can remember being. Like how his chest fills up with bubbly joy every time he open the cabinet above his sink and spots Tommy's favorite yellow bowl on the shelf, the one he claims is perfect for cereal or pasta or rice or anything, really, even though it is clearly a soup bowl.

"You realize you just signed up for kissing every single gray hair on my head from now on," Buck says when they're sated and sleepy, limbs tangled up on top of sheets that Tommy will change tomorrow because Buck hates doing the bed.

A few years ago, Buck would've wanted to beg, say you'll stay. say this means you'll stay. say you'll be here when I have more gray on my head. say you'll be here when I'm fully gray, still kissing me, still wanting me, still loving me.

Today, Buck doesn't beg. Tommy's mouth finds its way to his spot, and Buck knows that Tommy would still say it if he asks.

[lotus-n-l0ve]

𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐞

— Peter Parker x Stark!Female Reader

☯ SYNOPSIS : When Peter's girlfriend pays him a little visit in Midtown High School and meets his long time bully, Flash Thompson.

☯ WARNINGS : Au, stark!reader, Peter is barely present in the fic, cursing.

☯ NOTE FROM LOTUS : Hey guys. I have been having such a bad writer's block that I couldn't write anything for past few weeks. I'm writing this to, hopefully, get over my writer's block.

𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 || 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

The red Saleen S7 car, parked outside of Midtown High School, gaining curious glances from the students and passersby. You wait, sitting on the driver's seat, with your phone in your hand. The past week you were out of the country with your father so you had not seen him for the past seven days and barely got to talk to him.

So when you came back today, you wanted to give him a surprise visit. You came here, all confident, but now you were doubting your choices. Maybe you should just wait till school ends?

Fuck it. You are Y/N Stark, girl. Since when do you get nervous?

You checked yourself last time in the back mirror. Perfect as always. You throw yourself a flying kiss and put on your favourite pair of glasses. The car door opens with a click and you get down. It was not long before you were walking down the halls of Midtown High, making everyone stop what they were doing and gawk at you.

You chuckle in your mind. Of course you loved being the centre of attention. You were Tony Stark's daughter after all. Now there's one problem. You don't know exactly where Peter is. You look around the hall before your eyes fall on a boy, sitting with two girl on each side.

Without any second thoughts, you walk up to him, "Hey, do you know where Peter Parker is?"

Flash tore his eyes from the beautiful girls in his arm to the legs standing in front of him. He raised his eyes to your face. His gaze so disgusting that made you want to throw up.

"Talking to me, angel?" Flash stood up, abandoning the girls.

You roll your eyes at his pathetic attempt of flirting. At least he got the angel part right.

"I asked if you know where Peter Parker is." You deadpan.

"Peter Parker? Oh! You mean penis Parker. What do you need with him? I'm sure I can help you way more than he can." Flash wiggled his eyebrows at you, giving you a suggestive look.

You just stared at him, completely unimpressed and now angered. This pathetic flirt has the audacity to call your baby penis— wait a damn minute. Penis Parker? Something clicked in your mind.

"Are you Flash Thompson?" You ask before you could stop yourself.

Surprise flashed on his face before a smug smirk appeared on his face.

"Wow! I know that I'm famous but not much. Damn!" He said, running a hand through his hair.

You giggle at his ignorance as you take off your glasses. Folding it and keeping it safely in your hand bag, you step towards him, closing the distance between you two.

"Listen here you little shit." The smirk on his fell at your words, "If I ever hear from Peter that even got anywhere near him, I'll kidnap you, shave off your head, leave you on a deserted island and post your disgusting nudes all over the internet."

"Wh—"

"Shut up and listen." Flash gulped with fear, his face covered in sweat. The menacing aura around you looked scarier than the monster under his bed.

You say while jabbing on his forehead with your pointer finger, "Don't think of him, don't look at him, don't walk on his direction, don't breathe on his direction. Don't go anywhere around my boyfriend. Got it, you failed experiment of a chimpanzee?"

"Y-yes, I....um, I-I..... I under-understand." He nodded his head vigorously. Anything to get away from you.

"Good." You back away, giving him space to finally breathe in relief. Fuck! He didn't know Peter's girlfriend was this scary.

"Y/N?" The familiar voice of your boyfriend called from behind and your demeanour changed like lizards change colours.

"Hey, Pete." You walk up, giving him a quick kiss, "let's go, you are skipping class today. I missed you."

You linked your arm with him and started dragging him out of the school. Peter complied with you because he did miss you a lot too and skipping one day was not going to do any harm on him.

"I missed you a lot." Peter smiled down at you.

You left the school, leaving behind a embarrassed Flash. After you two left did Flash realised the crowd of students circling around him in the hallway. And they were chuckling while looking down at his pants?

Flash looked, "FUCK!"

His blue jeans were now dark blue, water spread on the floor around him. He had peed in his pants. His face turned red with anger and embarrassment. He should not have fucked with Peter.

FUCK!

© 𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐔𝐒-𝐍-𝐋𝟎𝐕𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑, 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐃 — all content rights belongs to LOTUS-N-L0VE. do not plagiarize any works and do not repost or translate onto any other sites.

All the rights and credits of the characters, gifs, songs and pictures used here belongs to their rightful owners.

[megalony]

Resemblance

This is an Evan Buckley imagine I just had to write after watching the newest episodes. I hope you will all like it, please please let me know what you think.

(A few spoilers for S7 but not too many)

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Evan Buckley Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Summary: When Evan introduces (Y/n) to Eddie, she resembles someone he used to know. And he can't help himself when he's around her, leading to frightening behaviour.

Enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sorry, am I… early?"

Confusion pooled on (Y/n)'s face as she took a look around the room she had walked into.

She knew she had arrived a few minutes late. She thought by now that the room would be crammed with people and she would have a hard time walking in with how packed it would be and how her panic would flare up. But as (Y/n) looked around the function room that had been booked out, her lips rolled into a thin line and her eyes narrowed.

There were only two people in here; one of whom was her boyfriend.

Her eyes scanned between the pair of them, soaking them in and assessing what they were wearing and drinking in what they looked like. Well, more specifically, what Evan looked like.

He had on a plain white shirt that stuck to his chest, outlining his collar bone that stuck out prominently and also gluing to his abs. Over his shirt, he wore a blazer the shade of pastel mint blue with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. And matching trousers that were pulled rather high up on his waist. (Y/n) noticed that the front button on his trousers barely managed to do up, it looked like it would pop open and take someone's eye out at any moment.

But Evan looked ravishing.

"Right on time, babe."

Evan's voice broke (Y/n) out of her lusting thoughts and she grinned, relaxing into herself a little more when he advanced towards her.

His hands found her upper arms and he pulled her close until her chest bumped into his and her hands found his shoulders to steady herself. (Y/n) tilted her head up and let Evan capture her in a kiss, melting in the way that his teeth scraped out along her lower lip and how when she parted her lips for air, he stole her breath in one swoop.

When they parted, Evan tipped his forehead down against hers and the way he sighed made (Y/n)'s knees go weak. He was relieved she was here, she could feel it in the way he gripped her arms and how he found it hard to hold himself up rather than let himself melt into her.

"Go on then, what're you supposed to be?" He murmured softly, letting his eyes rake up and down her choice of dress for tonight.

He felt (Y/n)'s fingers tighten around his shoulders while he looked down at her deep turquoise jumpsuit. It flared out at the ankles, mostly covering the black ankle boots she wore and it had two thin straps looped over each shoulder.

It was a perfect fit, hugging each curve on (Y/n)'s body and the V-shaped neckline was where Evan's eyes kept dropping to.

"Abba… Waterloo?" (Y/n) looked down at her jumpsuit before she looked back up at Evan.

When he said tonight was an eighties theme, (Y/n) wasn't sure what to wear. She didn't want to go full outfit or costume because she could tell that Evan wasn't going for that vibe. It seemed like a casual dress kind of party and when (Y/n) found this old jumpsuit, she realised it was perfect to match the Waterloo video from Abba.

Her black ankle boots would have to do rather than finding a pair of over the top knee-length blue boots with thick heels. (Y/n) thought she looked rather good and no one would know she was coming to a themed party which made her calmer since she had arrived alone.

"Brilliant," His voice was soft and his eyes creased with the wide smile that danced across his lips.

He leaned down and stole another kiss before he finally turned, remembering they weren't the only people in the room.

Evan curled his left arm around (Y/n)'s waist, tucking her into his side while he moved his right hand to run up and down his chin and along the side of his jaw. His smile turned sweet and he glanced his eyes from (Y/n) over to Eddie who was stood near the buffet table, hidden mostly behind his glass of beer.

"Babe, this is Eddie. Eddie, this is (Y/n), who I was telling you about." He rubbed his hand up and down (Y/n)'s back and pressed his lips to the top of her head. He felt (Y/n)'s hand graze across the front of his chest and her cheek pressed against his shoulder as she smiled sweetly.

"It's great to finally meet you."

(Y/n) smiled across at the only other person in the room, trying to take in the sight of him and see whether he looked like the image she had built up in her head. The image of Evan's best friend. The man who had been with him through thick and thin, on all the good calls and the bad. The person who fought for Evan almost as hard as his sister did. The man Evan had clawed through the dirt to try and find and who Evan had dragged beneath a fire truck when they got shot at.

The person in front of her did indeed match the rough outline she had come up with in her head.

He was slightly shorter than Evan, with his brown locks slicked back on his head into waves which would suit Evan if he grew his hair longer like he used to have it.

His suit was a ringer for Evan's too, a lovely pastel pink that matched Evan's cheeks and nose when he was just starting to blush at something.

"I- I… hi."

Eddie couldn't formulate a sentence. He couldn't string together one simple word or even a small 'hello' which would have been a lot better than what had just passed his lips. The only thing on his mind was one word that haunted him in the dead of night and followed him around like a shadow he couldn't shake.

Shannon.

There she was. There was his wife. The woman he hadn't been able to forget for the last four years. The woman who seemed to ruin every relationship he was in because no woman he found would ever match what he had with her.

And now she was stood in front of him. He could see Shannon in those eyes. Those deep eyes that were like black holes pulling him in until he was lost forever, unable to return to his former self. The curve of her lips was the same and her smile made her lips part like she was looking at him in wonder of something he couldn't quite place.

The way she tilted her head to one side was the way Shannon always looked at him whenever something was playing on his mind and she wanted to find out. Or how she looked at him when he was being sweet and she didn't know he knew she was staring at him.

Even the way she laughed quietly when Evan murmured something into her ear was exactly the way Eddie remembered his wife laughing when she was in public and didn't want to draw attention to herself.

How was this even possible?

How could the girl Evan was forever talking about, the one who had captured his heart so quickly and who seemed to know him like the back of her hand, how could she be the person Eddie was looking for in his dreams?

How could she be what Eddie was searching for? A way to get Shannon back in his life, in some form or another. A way to feel absolved of the guilt he carried with him like a weight in his heart, forever present, never gone. A way to tell Shannon how sorry he was, how much he loved her, how much he wanted her back because what they had was what Eddie wanted. It was something he wanted so desperately. Something he couldn't find with any other woman, no matter what or how hard he tried.

Could Eddie find it with her? In another world, could she be his second chance, rather than Evan's?

"Yeah, so Eddie's halfway to being pissed. Do you want a drink?" He spoke against (Y/n)'s temple and squeezed her waist, silently telling her that this wasn't how Eddie normally was.

He was usually first to have introductions and make people feel welcome and he was easy to get along with. Clearly he was somewhere else tonight and he was on his way to being drunk. He didn't have Chris tonight and he knew Chris was safe with his Abuela so he could let loose and get ad drunk as he liked tonight.

"I'll have whatever you're having."

"Oh, this is gonna be fun." Evan muttered against her temple and (Y/n) suddenly regretted what she'd just said when he sauntered out of the room towards the bar that was right outside the doorway.

Turning her head to the right, (Y/n) looked across at Eddie and tried her best to look calm and approachable.

The last thing (Y/n) wanted was to get off to a bumpy start with her partner's best friend. She knew how important Eddie was to Evan and (Y/n) wanted to make a good impression. She wanted to try and get along with all of Evan's friends who would be here tonight, but Eddie especially. He was like a brother to Evan and therefore (Y/n) wanted to get to know him and find common ground with him.

With that thought in mind, (Y/n) laced her fingers together in front of her and slowly glided across the room towards Eddie.

He was stood near the end of the buffet table, staring at it longingly like a man who'd been starved for days. He almost looked ravenous.

One hand was stuffed into his trouser pocket and the other was holding his glass right under his nose. Although, (Y/n) hadn't actually seen him take a sip considering how long he'd held the glass over his lips. It was almost as if he was using the glass as a mask to hide behind rather than to refresh himself and have a drink.

"You don't look drunk to me." (Y/n) spoke quietly but the glimmer in her eyes had Eddie's heart stuttering out an incomprehensible rhythm that physically pained him.

He could feel his shoulders pulling inwards and his upper body pushed forward like his chest was suddenly weighed down with stones.

"Hm, not yet. Soon."

There. He was speaking. Not much, not properly, but it was something. He was moving in the right direction, although he didn't quite know which direction he should be going in with her.

Why was she looking at him like that? Why did she have to smile like that? Her smile was infectious. It always had been; it was like a drug to Eddie and he wanted to get high. He wanted to get higher than he'd ever gotten before.

His eyes darted down to her lips more than once until all he could stare at was the way she darted her tongue across to wet them and his breath caught in his throat for a moment. He felt his stomach tensing and pulling inwards and when (Y/n) leaned across to look over the table, Eddie's eyes followed her.

He followed the way her hair fanned across her shoulders when she leaned over. He watched how her chin tilted down and obscured his view of those lips that resembled the ones he had missed so much. He noticed the way she pushed on one foot and leaned off the other when she stretched over to reach for one of the bowls of crisps on the table.

Before he could stop himself, Eddie reached out for her hand. He lowered his glass down so it hovered over his chest while his left hand untucked from his pocket and curled around (Y/n)'s wrist.

The way his fingers skimmed across the back of her hand sent electricity surging through his blood and Eddie suddenly felt alive. He felt on edge, reinvented, brought back to life. Charged.

"Buck wants to wait for Chimney… almost lost my arm when I went for a sausage roll." He couldn't find his usual voice. He was either speaking in hushed tones or an octave deeper than he was used to, there didn't seem to be an inbetween anymore for his normal voice.

(Y/n) stayed perfectly still when Eddie continued to hold her wrist. She could feel his fingers tapping against her hand like he had a beat in his head he was trying to drum out against her. Her back was starting to ache from staying hovered over the table, but she didn't know how to move.

Something about the way Eddie was gripping her hand made her feel nervous, worried even.

She felt like moving away from him would cause him to tighten his grip and pull her back. She worried that dropping eye contact with him would flare up some kind of reaction.

There was something about the way that Eddie looked at her that made (Y/n) feel vulnerable and afraid. It was as if he knew her but somehow, she didn't know him. He was searching for something and it was frightening. (Y/n) didn't know what he was looking for when he stared at her like that and she wasn't sure how to act around him or what to do.

When she suddenly felt his thumb glide around the underside of her wrist, she froze. He applied the slightest bit of pressure until her pulse was throbbing against his skin and she realised he was trying to feel her heartbeat.

What was he doing that for?

"Then don't let him see." (Y/n) found the will to move her hand forward and she was relieved when Eddie let go of her wrist almost as swiftly as he had reached out for her.

She took a sausage roll and popped it in her mouth while Eddie reached for a handful of crisps and followed her lead.

Turning on her heels, (Y/n) took a step away from the table just as the door opened and her sights set on her partner. She felt relieved, more than relieved, to see Evan again and feel the tension start to fade from the room.

When it was just the three of them, the atmosphere felt calmer. Even after Hen and Karen, Ravi and then Tommy all arrived and subsequently left a few hours later. It still felt a little more relaxed after they had gone and (Y/n) wondered if it was because Evan and Eddie had come here with the intention of letting loose and having a good night, whether the rest of the team joined in with them or not.

She had a feeling that Tommy would have stayed to have a party and he would have had some fun with them, if he didn't get called in for a shift.

Moving out of that function room and going into the actual bar felt a lot better, it was like the three of them could come out of their shells and relax.

(Y/n) couldn't keep up with the amount of shots Evan and Eddie were taking, and she didn't want to either. One of them had to be somewhat responsible and able to get them into a cab home and call it a night when things got a little too intense or went overboard. Someone had to keep an eye on everything.

A lazy, mostly tipsy smile graced (Y/n)'s lips when she tilted her head back onto Evan's shoulder.

She felt his arms tighten around her waist and his chin perched on her shoulder so he could look down at her. The way his knees started to jitter up and down made (Y/n)'s stomach churn and also made her head start to spin. He was so fuelled on alcohol that he was starting to vibrate.

She wasn't sure how long she had been sat on his lap. As long as it had been since she last went up to the bar and Evan dragged her down to sit with- or rather on- him because he said he was starting to feel lonely. How someone could feel lonely after only three minutes was beyond (Y/n), but she was more than happy to make him feel loved and secure again.

"Want another drink?"

"Hmm, I'm running on empty." He looked towards his glass which had been empty for the last ten minutes, but he didn't have the will power to get up. Or the energy to let (Y/n) climb off his lap either.

He tilted his head round and pecked her lips once, then twice. Then again until he was taking every ounce of breath held within her lungs and he had her hands digging into his wrists while he swallowed every moan he ellicited from her mouth.

"Won't be long," (Y/n) spoke against his lips, wriggling on his lap both to tease him and to get him to let her up.

She felt his hands slip round to hold her hips while she got up from his lap, taking a few seconds to find her balance. She wasn't quite drunk yet, at least not on Evan and Eddie's level, but she was getting there.

Evan's hands stayed on her waist as long as they could and she felt one hand curve round to her bum before she was finally too far away for him to hold. And he slumped back against the leather booth, whining and stretching his arms out like a lovesick child waiting and begging for attention.

It was cute.

It was more than cute, it was endearing. (Y/n) stole a glance over her shoulder and blew him a kiss before she veered to the right and wobbled towards the bar.

Her arms folded over the bar that was slightly damp and sticky with beer, vodka and God knows what else. But she didn't care. She flagged down the barmaid and mumbled "Refill please."

She knew the woman would know what drinks she was after. The amount of times they had all been up and down to the bar within the last two hours was almost unbelievable. Her fingers drummed against the counter and her lower back arched out while she leaned her head to one side and waited patiently for her drinks.

"Are we having shots?"

That dark, sugary voice took (Y/n) by surprise and she looked over her left shoulder, watching as Eddie stumbled over to her. He managed to keep himself on his feet without falling on the floor and he drummed his palms down on the counter.

His smile was so wide that his eyes were barely open anymore and he flashed his pearly whites in a smile that was clearly intoxicated but still amusing and rather cheeky too.

Somewhere during the evening, Eddie had taken off his shirt and his blazer, but now he was back in his blazer again which was left unbuttoned, showing off his shirt to anyone who wanted a look. His chin tilted down and his teeth sank into his lower lip but it didn't obscure his smile.

"No more shots for me, but you go ahead." (Y/n) didn't fancy anymore. One more shot would be enough to keel her over or have her throwing up in the toilets.

"Ah, come on. You're good at shots."

"I've had about two," (Y/n) laughed, tipping her head back before she pushed up to stand a bit straighter and clear her head. She had done two shots with the boys tonight and both of them had made her cough, even if she had downed them quicker than Evan had managed his.

"You were always good at shots. You could drink me under the table any day."

What did that mean? Where did that come from? What was he talking about?

(Y/n)'s brows furrowed and she let her head fall down at an angle while she tried to think over Eddie's words with the sober part of her mind. She hadn't met Eddie before tonight. She hadn't done shots with Evan on many occasions so surely he wouldn't have said anything to Eddie about (Y/n) being good with downing shots.

She had never drank Eddie under the table and he had far surpassed her on the drinking front. He was three miles ahead near the finish line while (Y/n) was hanging back. So what was he talking about?

"Come on, let's have some shots." It was as if his previous comment had been discarded and (Y/n) found herself nodding, although she wasn't sure if they were both on the same page or not.

She watched the barmaid place their drinks down on a tray along with six shot glasses which she started to fill up, per Eddie's request. But her eyes darted across to Eddie again when she suddenly felt his hand on top of her own.

It was different to how he had held her earlier. This wasn't him silently trying to tell her not to antagonise her boyfriend when he was in organising mode. This wasn't him holding her and subtly checking her pulse as if he thought she might be unwell or panicking over something. This wasn't Eddie holding her wrist and staring at her with a million questions she couldn't decipher nor understand.

There was an urgency in the way he dug his fingers into her wrist. He started to squeeze tighter and tighter until (Y/n) was sure she was going to have indents from where his fingers were.

When (Y/n) looked up at his eyes, she could see one hundred and one things burning within them. A drunken haze had taken over his pupils that were very dilated, but there was something in his brown orbs that made her panic. What was he doing? What was running through his mind?

"I've missed you," He tugged her hand closer until it was near his chest and he swayed back before leaning forwards, trying to find his balance in his drunken state. "So, so much."

"Eddie…"

What was she supposed to say to that? He was drunk. He was clearly thinking about something, or someone, and deflecting it onto (Y/n). She didn't know how to help or how to diffuse this situation.

"I love it when you say my name." He leaned closer and (Y/n) feared he was leaning in for a kiss.

"I- I don't understand."

He started laughing. His laugh was almost cynical and the way he tossed his head back towards the ceiling and started to run his free hand over his chin made (Y/n) take a sharp breath. It was almost like he was teasing her or making fun of her, but she wasn't so sure that was what he was doing.

She wanted to move, to take a step back and go over to Evan and tell him Eddie was drunk and might need to call it a night. But she couldn't go anywhere when Eddie yanked her wrist so sharply it was as if he had pulled a muscle. He dragged her arm across the bar until she slumped against it and her head tilted back to look up at him in fear.

"You shouldn't have left." Where did he think she had gone? Who did he think she was? What did he think was happening?

His grip on her wrist was tightening by the second and the smile faded from his lips when he leaned closer until their noses were almost touching. From a distance, it looked like he was going to tell her a secret or whisper some little knowing thought to her. But (Y/n) wasn't sure what was going to come out of his mouth next and she didn't know what to do or how to get out of his grip.

"Come home." His words were almost a whisper and something softened in his eyes for a brief second.

When she saw his eyes glazing over again and the hardened exterior coming back, she took her chance to wrench her wrist from his grasp.

Her trembling fingers curled around the drinks tray and she turned around, stumbling to aim for Evan who was on his phone, clearly messaging someone. Although he was having a hard time typing, he was squinting to try and see his keyboard clearly.

Eddie was just drunk. He was clearly having one of those moments and (Y/n) doubted he would remember this in the morning.

But she would. And his actions frightened her.

Who did he think she was? What else would he have done if she didn't manage to slip away from him? Why was he acting so strange around her?

***

Adreanline sparked in (Y/n)'s stomach when she felt a familiar pair of arms curve around her waist and Evan's fingers digging into her hips lovingly. He gave a gentle squeeze, pulling her back into his firm chest while he leaned over so his chin rested on top of (Y/n)'s head. It almost felt like he was a blanket or a jacket perfectly shaping and curving around her.

Reaching her hands down, (Y/n) held onto Evan's wrists and gave a little squeeze, letting her shoulders tilt back into his chest so she was leaning on him slightly.

Her eyes cast up and her head tilted back until she managed to catch his eye and grin up at him. She felt him press a kiss to her temple before she looked back ahead of them.

She had never been to a hospital wedding before.

It was a different experience, having everyone cramped into the same room, all coiled together. Some smartly dressed, others wearing something casual that they slipped into last minute to make sure they were here on time.

Although (Y/n) had to admit that seeing Evan's niece in her little dress holding her balloon was a beautiful sight that made her heart melt.

For this being the first time (Y/n) had met most of Evan's team, they all seemed lovely and they were very welcoming.

She had met Maddie already, but this was the first time she had been introduced to Chimney which felt so strange to first meet someone with them lying in a hospital bed.

"…You can now kiss the bride."

She felt Evan's arms tightening around her and she grinned, dancing her eyes across the room that was packed like sardines before she looked back up at Evan. Pushing up on her tiptoes, (Y/n) pressed a kiss to his cheek and grinned when Evan tilted his head to catch her lips with his.

When they pulled apart, (Y/n) shivered at the feeling of Evan's lips gliding across her jaw until they moved to hover over the shell of her ear.

"I'm glad you're here with me." He murmured softly into her ear, feeling the way (Y/n) took a deep breath and the feel of her heartbeat pulsing beneath her skin. There weren't many special moments in Evan's life that weren't overshadowed by other things or people he'd rather forget.

To have (Y/n) here with him today to celebrate with his family made all the difference in the world to Evan. He felt comfortable, having (Y/n) in his arms made him feel complete. Like everyone in this room had someone to share the moment with, and now, so did he.

Maddie's first wedding had been a day Evan wanted to forget. It hadn't been a big occasion, most of the guests had been Doug's side of the family. And their parents hadn't bothered to show up, something Evan would never forgive them for because of how distraught it had made Maddie.

And there were so many occasions and parties and times when Evan had been there alone or he felt like an outsider. Or something had happened at work or with a partner that had dampened his mood.

So having (Y/n) in his arms, making him feel loved and happy and whole meant this day was going to be a good day. It was going to be a memory that wouldn't be tainted by bad thoughts or moods or by something bad happening.

"Me too." (Y/n) let her temple rest against Evan's jaw and she took a moment to close her eyes and savour in the feeling of his embrace.

Her lips curved up and her hands tightened around his wrists when he gently but firmly started to tug her backwards with him towards the wall. Moving them both out the way so that Maddie could move and the cake could be brought in.

Pulling on Evan's arms, (Y/n) pushed up on her toes and hovered her lips over his ear.

"Just going to the bathroom, save me some cake."

"Will do." He muttered against her cheek, turning to steal another kiss from her lips before he eventually let her squirm out of his arms.

(Y/n) tilted her head down, a shy smile gracing her lips as she coiled her arms into her chest and slowly weaved her way through the other guests in the room. She tried not to push or bump into anyone and wormed her way out the door, taking a deep breath when she was finally back in the corridor.

It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the ceremony, but it wasn't great for them all to be cramped together like that. The A/C had been turned on full blast once everyone was inside the room so they didn't overheat or begin to sweat. It was good to have a little breather and some room to herself.

Once the room had started to fill up, Evan had graciously looped his arms around (Y/n) and moved her in front of him to keep her close and so she didn't have to be too close to people she barely knew. He knew wrapping himself around her would make her feel at ease. The last thing he wanted was for (Y/n) to panic.

Rattling her fingers through her hair, (Y/n) smiled to herself and made her way down the corridor and turned the corner. She wasn't too sure where the nearest toilets would be, but she was sure she would find them on her walk.

"Hey,"

Tremors rattled through (Y/n)'s chest and sent shockwaves down to her stomach that became electrified.

Eddie.

She hadn't realised he wasn't in the room either. She should have noticed. She should have looked around the room again and noticed that his son and his aunt were there, but he had seemingly slipped away. Since she and Evan had turned up at the hospital this morning, (Y/n) had glued herself to his side and kept a look out for his friend.

Part of her wondered if Eddie remembered any of what he'd said or done last night. She wondered if he remembered acting strange around her or grabbing her or telling her to come home, something that had confused (Y/n) greatly.

But the way he nodded and smiled at her this morning when he arrived and how he patted her shoulder in passing like they were old friends made (Y/n) doubt herself.

She doubted whether last night had happened. Whether she was overreacting or if the alcohol had made it seem worse than it was.

Eddie not remembering any of what he said last night was a blessing though. It meant he wasn't going to act awkward around (Y/n) and it meant she could try and forget it and move on and try to make bridges with Eddie and be friends.

She wanted to be friends with him. She knew from the way that Evan spoke about him that Eddie was a great guy and she wanted nothing more than for them all to get along together. For Evan's sake.

"Hi," (Y/n) dipped her head down and ran her hand up and down her arm while she tried to control herself.

Don't act strange around him. Be normal, he doesn't remember.

"Have I missed the cake?"

"No, no they're just cutting it now… it's a bit cramped in there." She looked over her shoulder, unsure whether she was referencing the crowded room or whether she was hoping someone would round the corner and join their conversation.

"It can get a bit much, with everyone around."

Eddie stuffed a hand in his trouser pocket and moved his other hand to trace across his jaw. He hadn't shaved yet. He needed to shave. Shannon always hated it when he tried to grow stubble, she liked to trace her finger across his jawline and feel how sharp and smooth it was. There hadn't been time to shave this morning; Eddie barely had the time to get changed from his messed up suit, let alone run a hand through his hair and freshen up.

"Just a bit." (Y/n) tried to smile and tilted her head to one side. "Do you know where the nearest bathroom is?"

Her eyes narrowed and something flashed across her eyes when she noticed that Eddie seemed to be drifting. He was staring down at her hands that were interlocked in front of her, but it was like his mind was somewhere else completely.

"Eddie, are you okay?" (Y/n) took a deep breath and moved a little bit closer when it looked like Eddie was in a trance.

Maybe he was still feeling rough from last night. He certainly looked worse for wear when she saw him earlier this morning.

Placing her hand on his arm didn't seem to be the right move. The moment she touched him, Eddie seemed to snap out of his trance. His head bolted up from staring at her hands. His shoulders stiffened and pulled up. His lips pressed into a firm line that almost made him look angry, if it weren't for the sorrow building up in his eyes.

"Eddie?"

Panic pooled in the pit of (Y/n)'s stomach when Eddie moved closer. He took long strides until there was no space between them, and then kept moving. His chest hit (Y/n)'s chest and she stumbled back, tripping over her feet as her stomach churned. She wasn't sure how much further she could walk backwards, but when her back hit the wall and Eddie stood in front of her, blocking her exit, she tremored.

What was he doing? What had she done to upset him and make him act this way around her? Surely he wasn't like this around everyone else? Evan never said Eddie had a tendency to be weird or act strange around new people.

"You're here… you're actually here."

She didn't understand. She couldn't understand the utter wonder and relief in Eddie's voice or the tears that were pooling in his eyes which he was desperately trying to push to the sides.

Her hands moved to press into his chest, trying not to be too rough as she tried to push him away. She couldn't have him standing this close to her, effectively pinning her to the wall. What would people say? What would they think if someone walked around the corner? This was the first time (Y/n) was meeting Evan's team and his family, and they would all think she was a cheater if they saw this compromising position.

It wouldn't matter that Eddie had started this and that (Y/n) didn't know what to do or what was happening. No one would care that she hadn't instigated this and that she didn't want this. They would see her as betraying Evan. She would never do that.

"Shannon…"

(Y/n)'s efforts faltered for a brief moment and she exhaled slowly while the wheels started turning in her mind. That wasn't her name. Eddie knew her name. Evan had been talking about introducing her to the team for weeks, he told them all about her. He introduced her last night and Eddie had heard her name. So why was he calling her that?

She couldn't hang up on the name she had never heard or been called before, she had to get Eddie off her. But Eddie felt like a brick wall, unmoveable as a mountain and his chest puffed out and became sturdy when (Y/n) tried to move him away.

Her efforts were in vain and her heartstrings became severed, dropping her heart down to her stomach when Eddie kissed her.

His lips were rough like sandpaper. His force pushed her head back into the wall. His right hand cupped the side of her face and harshly pulled her chin up to keep her level with him.

When she squirmed her head and tried to shove him off, his other hand clamped down on her hip. He pinned her hips into the wall and dug his fingertips into the back of her neck until she was shaking from the force.

Something about the excessive need and the push behind his lips made (Y/n) want to scream. There was so much he was silently trying to tell her in the kiss, but she couldn't understand any of it. She didn't want to. She hated the way his lips bruised hers as he pushed and stole what he could from her.

She felt his tongue bully its way past her lips and something between a gasp and a cry mewled into his mouth when he sank his teeth down into her lip.

(Y/n)'s hands curled into fists and she slammed them down on Eddie's chest with as much force as she could muster, trying to match the power he was pushing into his kiss.

He finally pulled back to claw a deep breath and (Y/n) tried to do the same, gasping for air while she rammed her arms into his chest to get him off her.

"No!" Her fists swung at his chest again when he pressed his weight down onto her chest, pinning her into the wall while he stole another wretched, rough kiss that made her cry.

As soon as she managed to push her weight to the left and drag her head out of his grasp, (Y/n) reared her hand back. She slapped Eddie with as much power as she could muster, watching the way the blood pooled beneath his skin and sent his face a fiery shade that would match the flames in Hell.

The slap seemed to knock some sense into him.

The fog clouding his eyes started to fade and every burning emotion welling up in those brown eyes was replaced with something close to remorse.

"I- I didn't- I'm sorry-"

When Eddie took a step back, (Y/n) stumbled to the side. She added as much space between them as she could while both her arms wrapped around her waist and she gasped for breath.

Why did he do that? She hadn't given him any signals- had she? Surely (Y/n) hadn't led him on in any way either last night or right now. She had tried to be friendly with him and get to know him, but that had been hard last night when Eddie became drunk and seemed to switch personalities. And just now, he hadn't called her by her name.

Who did he think she was?

The way he ran his hand along his jaw before he smothered his palm over his mouth made (Y/n) pause. She could see the panic building up in his eyes and when his free hand clamped down on his hip and he turned away from her, (Y/n) could see what was going through his mind.

Evan.

His best friend. The person who would come out of this worse off if he found out what Eddie had just done. Evan was the understanding type. He forgave people even when they least deserved his understanding and his respect and forgiveness. But (Y/n) didn't know how Evan would react to something like this. Eddie didn't know if this was something Evan would forgive him for.

"Don't do that again."

(Y/n)'s voice came out gritty and hollow and she brushed her hand beneath her eyes, clearing away the tears before she started to sob. She couldn't have anyone seeing her in distress and asking what was wrong.

She couldn't have Evan asking questions. There was no way she could tell him what had happened just now. She couldn't cause problems between him and his best friend, between him and his family. And this was his day. This was Evan's time to be with his sister and have a great day and have some fun and make memories.

(Y/n) could never ruin today for him.

Forgetting about going to the bathroom, (Y/n) bypassed Eddie, leaving as much space between them as she could as she made her way back down the corridor towards the room.

Part of her thought about leaving. She thought about turning left and running out of the hospital and going home. That would ensure she didn't cause any arguments, but she couldn't leave without saying goodbye to Evan first. He would think he had done something wrong and (Y/n) could never put that sort of panic onto him.

She didn't reach the room before a familiar figure caught her eye. Evan was stood out in the corridor, his shoulders slouched into the wall and his phone in his hands.

She didn't give him a chance to look at her. She couldn't risk Evan seeing the remnants of tears in her eyes or notice the panic written across her face. Or see the shallow breaths she was huffing. If he thought something was wrong he would try and find out and if (Y/n) caved in and told him, she would cause a scene and make waves between Evan and his family. She wasn't going to do that.

She ducked beneath his arm to burrow herself into his chest, binding her arms tightly around his waist while her face smothered in his chest. Each breath she took fanned against his dark blue hoodie and it helped to control her breathing and stop her from hyperventilating against him.

"Hey baby… you okay?" Evan finished the text he was sending and bound both arms around (Y/n)'s waist, tilting his head down to kiss the top of her head and breathe into her hair.

She hummed. What was she supposed to say? What was she supposed to do now?

Turning her head, (Y/n) pressed her cheek against Evan's chest and hugged him tighter until she was almost cutting off his circulation. It made him smile against her hair and he rested his cheek against the top of her head.

But he felt the shiver that rolled through (Y/n). And she hoped to God that he didn't realise it was because Eddie was walking towards them.

[epicbuddieficrecs]

Weekly Recap | October 1st-13th 2024

Hope all my fellow Canadians had a good long weekend! Had a week from hell last week so I didn't have time to put up the rec, and it's even a bit late for today, but I did it!

If you know anyone who's not tagged, please don't hesitate to tag them in the comments!

Complete

Siri, Call... by Tizniz/ @tizniz (Sickfic | 1,5K | General): Buck is sick and needs to call for help.

for thy true-love take by lecornergirl/ @clusterbuck (Outsider POV, Established buddie | 2K | Teen): OR: Chimney Han and the ethics of slipping your coworkers love potions

watch out, you might get what you're after by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Getting Together | 2K | Mature): Buck unintentionally woos Eddie. And then has a hell of a time processing the way he feels about that.

i hate accidents (except when we went from friends to this) by bellabrady (Getting Together | 2K | Not Rated): Or: How Buck and Eddie's first kiss leads to someone calling the police on them.

Put To Good Use by kittyeddie (PWP, BDSM | 3K | Explicit): Or, Buck and Eddie finally have a kid-free day at home, and take advantage of every second of it

At First Scent by Inell/ @inell (Urban Fantasy AU | 4K | Teen): When Buck visits Maddie, he meets Chris, a magic user needing his sister’s help learning how to use his powers. He also meets Eddie, Christopher’s dad, and feels a connection that he’s only ever dreamed of finding.

Bears, and Foxes, and a Three-Legged Bobcat by Tizniz/ @tizniz (Pre-Buddie, First Date | 4K | General): Buck and Eddie go on a non-date date to a wildlife park. Cuteness ensues.

Just Right by Inell/ @inell (Future fic, Getting Together | 4K | Teen): After getting injured on a call, Buck wakes up the next morning and tries to piece together what happened, accidentally changing his relationship with Eddie in the process.

to adam, from your ribs by justhockey (S8, Getting Together | 4K | General): And the thing is, Buck is so good at being alone; he’s been doing it almost his whole life. But when he’s reminded of the way love tastes, drizzled like honey on your tongue - the way it feels, like the warm glow of sunlight on your skin. That is when he truly aches. Not the breaking, because he’s done that a thousand times over. It’s the knowing that really does him in. The having, for just a little while, before it’s snatched away so quickly he can still feel the burn on his fingertips from trying to hold on.

Hall Pass by Inell/ @inell (Post-S7, Getting Together | 5K | Teen): After Buck and Eddie take Jee and Mara trick or treating, Chim and Maddie play a trick of their own to help Buck finally make a move on Eddie.

it's leading me on, every time we touch by lightyears (Post-S6, Getting Together | 5K | Explicit): Eddie doesn’t think anything of it when he reaches across the table to pile some pasta onto his plate, says, “Just my back. It’s been giving me a bit of trouble.” “You’re hurt, Eddie?” Bobby asks him, and Eddie’s sure that his intention isn’t to capture the rest of the team’s attention, but by way of being Captain, it happens anyway. “I promise, Cap. I’m good. But if it helps, I can go speak with a doctor, make sure nothing else is going on.” Chim chirps up: “A physio probably makes more sense than a doctor.” “Or an occupational therapist,” Ravi suggests, and Eddie’s sure it’s to stave off a Chim-Hen showdown. “Even a massage therapist would probably help.” And then Maddie says, “Buck used to be a massage therapist” and everyone goes quiet, heads all swinging in Buck’s direction.

sweet sunbursts of flesh pink magic by Underhung_Aura/ @eddiebabygirldiaz (Canon Divergent, Witch Buck, Sex Pollen | 5K | Explicit): Buck’s magic has always been a bit volatile. Jittery. Fluctuating. A touch reckless. Messy and bright and loud. Maddie says that a person’s magic is supposed to match the person themselves, that the form it takes isn’t happenstance or random, that it’s a reflection of your purest self, an extension of your soul that you can manipulate. Safe to say, Buck’s never cared for that assessment. or, buck has magic and eddie gets doused with sex pollen

Happy Accident by Inell/ @inell (Post-S8E01: Buzzkill, Friends to Fiances | 6K | Teen): When Buck gets some good news, he accidentally kisses Eddie, which leads to a conversation that changes their relationship.

Kissing On The Corner, Wait For Just A Minute by fruitsdoesnotknow/ @tayf-ghost (Secret Relationship | 6K | Teen): Buck and Eddie think they're so smooth. They're cool, calm, collected. Normal, in fact. Just two normal best friends. Nothing to see here. Nobody is convinced.

Does it bite at your edges? by noxeratum (Infidelity, Post-S7, Getting Together | 6K | Explicit): Eddie Diaz is so repressed that he thinks his jealousy is bigotry and feels bad about it.

Talk Dirty to Me by ameliahart (Post-S7, FWB | 6K | Explicit): In which Buck has recently ended things with Tommy, Eddie wants to explore his sexuality, and they decide to start sleeping together. As friends, of course.

Through the Looking Glass by jukoist/ @beforejuko (Post-S8E01: Buzzkill, Getting Together | 6K | General): Buck likes Tommy. He does! And he definitely isn't in love with Eddie. He's just... worried. Because Eddie keeps vanishing on Sundays, leaving Buck with the boyfriend he definitely likes as much as he should. Everything is fine. Or, a post 8x01 coda.

Basics, Understanding Basics by fruitsdoesnotknow/ @tayf-ghost (Post-S7, Getting Together | 7K | Teen): Chris gets sick, loses part of his memory, and reassures Eddie and Buck they can still kiss in front of him. That's really thoughtful of him, except for the fact that Eddie and Buck aren't dating.

🔥All The Things You Want From Me by giselleslash/ @gigi-gigi (Post-S7, Getting Together | 7K | Teen): “Can I ask you something?” Eddie shrugs. “Sure.” Tommy looks nervous, unsure. Tommy never looks nervous, or unsure. “Do you think Evan would move in with me if I asked him?” (Or the one where Eddie feels Buck slipping through his fingers and can’t let him go, so he tells him not to move in with Tommy and blows everything apart.)

My Carpet’s Got Crop Circles by fruitsdoesnotknow/ @tayf-ghost (Eddie & Karen, Getting Together | 9K | Teen): Or, five times Karen tries to use wine nights to get Eddie and Buck together, and the one time she didn't need to.

🔥Late Fines by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Canon Divergent, Librarian!Buck | 12K | Teen): Buck is a children's librarian at the branch closest to Eddie's house. When he gets himself involved in the lives of a cute kid and his handsome single dad, he gets a glimpse of what he wants in life. It might just take a few years to get it.

Eddie Diaz VS The Buck's Boyfriend Agenda by songbvrd/ @songbvrd (Post-S7, BuckTommy Break-Up | 23K | Mature): Eddie starts gathering information about why no one trusts Tommy. As he grows to hate their relationship more, he learns more about himself and what he wants.

🔥 ice cream before dinner by cloudydaisies (Post-S7, Getting Together | 58K | Teen): or, gerrard messes with the team's schedules and eddie 'i just drove my son to flee the state' diaz is the only option to watch mara and jee-yun after school on tuesdays, which, shouldn't be a problem at all, right?

🔥 Any Other Way by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Canon Divergent, S2 | 102K | Mature): In a switcheroo alternate universe, Buck spends young adulthood in the military, while Eddie, who has no idea Christopher exists, spends his twenties messing around, finally enjoying freedom away from his family’s expectations. When they both end up in Los Angeles, at the 118, some things are different, and others will be the same in any universe.

WIP

Gentle On My Mind by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Canon Divergent, Shannon Lives, Buck/Eddie/Shannon | 5/? | 32K | Explicit): In which Shannon lives, tells a lie, and sends hers, Eddie's, and Buck's lives down a very different path.

🔥 go and kill, go and die by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Zombie Apocalypse AU | 9/14 | 40K | Mature): The 118 are a group of survivors in a small California town in the wake of a zombie apocalypse. For months they've been isolated and safe. But the arrival of some new players, the search for some missing loved ones, will shake everything up and put their little team in jeopardy.

Podfic

[Podfic] déjà vu by NC Pods (N0Connections)/ @n0connections // fic by peaktotheocean/ @peaktotheocean (S7E07: Ghost of a Second Chance | 10-20min | General): It is completely possible that Buck put too much thought into buying his couch. But Eddie can’t think of anyone else in his life who would buy a couch just so his kid would be comfortable.

🔥 [Podfic] With a Little Help From my Friends by MeggieJolly/ @meggiejolly // fic  by extasiswings/ @extasiswings (Post-S3, Feelings Realization | 10-20min | Teen): “You know…several of us parents get together once, maybe twice a month or so. You’re welcome to join us if you’d like. I can add you to the email chain.” Not for the first time that day, Eddie’s surprised. It’s not that he’s opposed, more that the invitation is unexpected. He’s not particularly social—when he is it’s with the team or with Buck or with his family, all of them in each other’s houses, in each other’s lives both at work and away from it. Outside of them… It occurs to him that he’s never really known how to make friends. [Or: Eddie makes friends outside of work and realizes that Buck might not, in fact, be just a friend]

🔥 as lucky as us [Podfic] by blackglass/ @blackestglass // fic by hammersmiths/ @henswilsons (Ravi POV, S7 | 20-30min | General): One of the first things Ravi learned when joining the 118 was to, under no circumstances, think too hard about Buck and Eddie’s relationship. But brother, they could try make his job easier. “I mean, I get it,” Buck’s saying, overhead, and Ravi’s knee-deep in literal human crap and even he can smell that shit from a mile away. “You and Tommy have a lot in common.” or, Ravi continually suffers as a third-wheel.

🔥 [podfic] baby, can i hold you? by All_I_Ask/ @alliaskisthepossibilityoflove // fic by fleetinghearts / @shitouttabuck (pre-Buddie, angst/comfort | 30-45min | Teen): Eddie’s eyes are squeezed shut, and Buck feels something inside him crack when this helpless, devastated sob wracks his body, eyelashes clumped with tears he’s not letting fall. “What do you need?” Buck asks again. “What can I do?” Eddie makes a frustrated noise. “I don’t know. I don’t know why this won’t stop.” or, eddie panics. buck holds him.

🔥 Heart, I Implore You [Podfic] by ReformedTsunderePodfics (ReformedTsundere)/ @film-in-my-soul // fic by @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels (Vampire Eddie, PWP | 45-60min | Explicit): When Buck finds out his best friend isn't exactly human, he volunteers to help keep Eddie from dying. It's definitely just to keep Eddie from dying. No other reason. None whatsoever.

Re-Read

Down to the Bones of Me by giselleslash/ @gigi-gigi (Post-S7E10: All Fall Down | 5K | Teen): The morning after Christopher leaves Eddie gets in his truck and drives. Buck lets him go, and Eddie fights to come back for both of them.

[valenschmidt]

Let’s not spread false information - it’s never been said it WAS supposed to be Tommy & Eddie. It was said it was a possibility, not a guarantee, but it quickly fell through.

Then Tim revisited the idea of bisexual Buck that got shot down (by Fox, I assume cause, well, Fox) and he then made the effort to specifically get Lou, because he is fond of him and yes there would be no need to introduce a brand new character and thus Tim started writing his lil romcom as he calls it.

Well if you wanna get technical let's get technical...

Tim Minear confirmed that he wanted Lucy in the very beginning but since Arielle was not available THAT LEFT TOMMY. So no, he didn't get Tommy because he was revisiting the idea of bi Buck. It was the other way around. BECAUSE Lou was available and Arielle wasn't, Tim decided to revisit the idea he had had during s4.

So no... He didn't make the effort. Lou just was available and Tim didn't want to introduce a new character to explore Buck's sexuality and therefore Tommy

They even let us know in the show that Hen requested for Lucy and Tommy just happened to be there

And then he had to choose... Ryan himself confirmed during my previously mentioned podcast interview that he didn't know to which one of them that storyline was gonna go so yes it was a "possibility" but it went to Buck because Tim (and maybe Ryan) didn't believe that it was a storyline that fit Eddie so Tim went to Oliver instead. Oliver also confirmed that he was approached with the Tommy idea in the early days of preparing either eps 2 or 3 so it was something that was decided as they were filming so Tommy definitely wasn't the original plan

It was ALSO confirmed yes that the main reason Tommy was chosen to be Buck's first male love interest is because Tim didn't want to introduce a new character which doesn't go into bt favor since Tommy's place could literally be filled by any other man

So yes Tim chose him but trust me when I say he's no Endgame. Especially after all the trouble bt have been causing. Tim called it an entry relationship and yes Tommy is important to Buck because he's his first boyfriend. But there are no wedding bells in the horizon...

ALSO LET ME ADD! Thanks to the lovely @/fiooredimaggioo on Twitter that Buck was supposed to have a big storyline involving Natalia and their break up that was gonna go throughout s7 but because Natalia's actress wasn't available this was scrapped

And as we've been able to see in canon... there is nothing tender and positive about their relationship because Tommy doesn't actually listen to Buck or understand him. So yes... bucktommy is canon now but with the way he's been excluded from every promo/bts/content since they started filming (even though we all know he's coming back) well that doesn't sound good, does it???

AND because I'm petty I'm gonna add this. During the days previous to S7 Tim kept posting buddie stills on his Facebook account (the first one he ever posted was of Eddie himself)

Clearly you can tell Tim has a favorite right??? And I shouldn't even bring up the first still of s8 he posted just a couple of days ago...

Oliver liked a couple of bucktommy posts yes but after 7x04 he never liked a bucktommy post again and just kept liking and posting buddie content

And to finalize...

The ONLY post he liked post 7x10 was a buddie one so... if Oliver himself had to choose Buck's Endgame well the choice is pretty clear

Hoped this helped...

[tevanbegins]

My beloved Bucktommies, hear me out for I have rambled about some important stuff ahead related to Tommy's comeback situation for S8:

Let's not forget that the Access Hollywood interview with Lou Ferrigno Jr. and Oliver Stark would never have been arranged if Buck and Tommy's love story wasn't meant to be long-term, or continue developing further into the next season. It was a small but still a very crucial piece of press.

Why? Because it's not like it was done right after 7x04 when the hype around bi-Buck was at its peak. Instead, it was done during the second-half of the season, that too when the Bobby-focused episodes were airing. Plus, it was a major TV network interview, not some random podcast/youtube interview!

Also, they could have only had Oliver out there if the showrunner or PR team thought Lou as Tommy was inconsequential to this storyline. They evidently wanted to create buzz not only around Buck's bisexual arc but around his romance with Tommy as well, with this press. Why do all of that if the character was going to disappear shortly?

I am not clear about how it all works but I am sure Tim and his team must have discussed Tommy's future when they decided to extend Lou's contract beyond the pre-decided 4 episode appearances last season. Because why even bother showing that tiny dinner scene with Tevan in the finale if they didn't want to show us where the relationship stood?

And don't let the naysayers get into your head and compare this with the happy Buck-Natalia scene from the season 6 finale and how she was written off after that. Remember that the writers supposedly wrote that episode as a possible series finale given the uncertainty around the show's future after Fox cancelled it. But then ABC picked it up and the writers had to resume the storylines from where they had left them off.

The actress playing Natalia refused to come back, probably because I am assuming she thought her part was done and the show was supposed to end and so she took up other work. Plus there was the whole strike thing too in between. She was just a supporting character and her contract extension may not have been under consideration while they were filming season 6, because they didn't know for sure at the time if another network would renew them for a new season. And because of her refusal they had to scrap that storyline later.

The situation is quite different with Lou. The season 8 renewal announcement came early when the first-half of season 7 was on air. Therefore, Tim and the writers have had the luxury to put some plans in place for the upcoming season in advance because the renewal was official. And this must include whether or not they wanted to keep Tommy around post season 7!

And if Lou agreed to do 2 more episodes last season, I believe he must have agreed to be there for season 8 too — because if the last two episodes of S7 have served any purpose, it has been to tell us that Buck and Tommy are going strong and even the firefam approves of their relationship, deliberately cementing their relationship status as they move forward into the upcoming season.

So this can't have been all for nothing. The only reason Tommy wouldn't be in S8 is if Lou himself declined or if the filming dates were clashing with his other projects, none of which seems to be likely given the points I have discussed above. Besides, we all know how deeply invested Lou is in playing Tommy and passionate about his storyline with Buck. He wouldn't quit a role that's clearly so important and dear to him just because of the BoBs' stupid vendetta against him; he has big dreams for his career to let this childish hate towards him get in the way of a good opportunity. And he knows and sees how much we as his fans love, support, and appreciate him!

So to conclude, I have faith Tommy will be back! He has to be!!! 💫

___

[exhuastedpigeon]

If 9-1-1 had gone the route of Eddie coming out in the first half of s7 instead of Buck, I like to think it could have been fun it if had gone something like this from Buck's POV (Eddie's POV would have been a lot more complicated and really beautiful, but for the sake of this post I want some Buck dramatics)...

Firstly, Buck would have spent the entire episode where Eddie comes out feeling jealous and mad and confused (like 7x04 but on steroids). Like every time he sees Eddie talk to another man who isn't already in their circle Buck would try to kill that man with his mind.

He probably would have rolled up to Maddie's house and sat down at the counter, put his head in his arms, and said something like "Maddie I think I'm homophobic".

And Maddie would have been like ?????

And Buck would have lifted his head and said something about how she knows that Eddie came out and even went on a date with stupid Tommy and his stupid helicopter and they're even playing basketball together tomorrow and he knows because he saw it on the calendar on Eddie's fridge while Buck was hanging out with Chris so Eddie could go out with Tommy.

He'd spend like 5 minutes ranting about how Eddie is figuring himself out and that's great but why does Buck suddenly feel so mad about Eddie talking to other guys and kind of flirting with them? Why isn't he just happy for him? Is he homophobic??

And Maddie would have said something like "I think you're feeling a lot of confusing feelings right now because someone really important to you figured something out about himself and maybe you feel a little left out. You'll figure out what you're feeling when you're ready and then you can talk to Eddie about it."

And Buck would have looked at her with his Big Blue Eyes™ and Chim would have walked in and been like "what are we talking about" and Buck would just put his head on the counter again and Maddie would raise an eyebrow at Chim would would raise one back and then they'd both kind of smile at each other.

The next episode could have had Buck getting even more insane with his jealously and Hen pulling him aside at work to tell Buck he isn't subtle and Buck breaking down in the ambulance about how he's worried he's homophobic and she's ask why and he'd explain and she'd fight an eye roll and ask if Buck has ever felt this way before.

And Buck would talk about how he doesn't think so... well actually maybe one time in high school when this girl he really liked started hanging out with this other guy and Buck was jealous and then it would hit him like a brick in the face and Hen would pat him on the knee and tell him he can restock for her before leaving Buck with his realization.

Maybe Buck would show up at the Diaz house that night after pacing around the loft for hours and he'd knock on the door and Eddie would be like... "Buck what are you doing here it's late. Are you okay?" and Buck would ask to come in and Eddie would roll his eyes because obviously Buck can come in.

They'd go into the kitchen and Buck would look at Eddie with his Big Blue Eyes™ and Eddie would say "What's been eating at you man.. is it.. is it me?"

And that would be the moment that Buck jumped into action because Eddie can't think Buck has a problem with him being queer. He can't have that happen because Buck's only problem with Eddie being queer is that he's queer and Buck hasn't kissed him yet.

So he'd say "No! Well yes, but not what you think."

And Eddie would look all confused and his Big Brown Eyes™ would be all sad so Buck would just blurt out "I'm in love with you! I thought I was homophobic because I hated every single guy you talked to in the last three days but I'm just... I'm in love with you."

Which would lead Eddie to put his beer down and kiss Buck right there in the kitchen. And when they separate they'd lean their foreheads together and Eddie would smile all soft and say "I'm in love with you too, if you didn't get that."

[salty-and-spiraling]

I know everyone has noticed and pointed out the similar appearances of the Merciful One and Sarai.

But I'd also like to point out that (almost) every other member of the Startouch Elf Council also looks like people in the show-- dead people. And in all of their deaths, Viren somehow played a part.

Sarai (indirectly)

Sarai was killed in battle by Avizandum after she went back and saved Viren. Not to mention Viren was right there when she died, capturing her last breath.

Harrow (indirectly)

It was Viren's persuasion that led Harrow to seek and end the life of the Avizandum and his idea to destroy the egg of the dragon prince-- even though he didn't actually go through with it-- for which Harrow took the blame and was assassinated for it.

Khessa (indirectly)

He was the vessel that brought Aaravos's bug to Lux Aurea. This allowed Aaravos to get close to Khessa, who then proceeded to possess another elf and kill her-- making Viren partially responsible.

Kpp'ar (directly)

Even though Kpp'ar isn't technically dead, he's not alive either so I count it. This one is obvious. Viren is the one who trapped Kpp'ar's soul in the coin, making Viren directly responsible for his demise.

-When creating this, I also noticed that all these people were in some type of position of authority within whatever monarchy they participated in-

Every member of the Startouch Elf Council has a look-alike in the show who is currently dead because of Viren-- or at least not living, in Kpp'ar's case. Every member except this one.

I'm not sure who this person looks like, if they look like anyone at all. And, if they do have a look-alike that might be introduced in s7, I wonder if they'll stay consistent with this pattern I found.

Like most of my observations, I'm not really sure where I'm going with this but I'd love for anyone to add on to this half-theory.

[so-long-soldier-writes]

The Light in My Darkness

damon salvatore x gn!reader | requested

summary: after your boyfriend's death, you fell back into old habits. now that he's back, you're having trouble kicking them again.

tags: angst, hurt / comfort, depression, s3lf h4rm, kisses

word count: 1.7k

a/n: i typically don't write for damon, however i feel comfortable writing this subject matter and i'm getting better with understanding his character. honestly, too, i rewatched s7 and i'm starting to love him even more. (i just love the traumatized characters.)

also, i'm not good at titles. my first title had the word 'put' in it, but i stared at it so long, it didn't look like a word anymore and i had to change it. i think i like this one better. i stg, titles are half the reason i take so long to post. whew, anyway... enjoy ❤️

“Stefan needs help at Whitmore,” Damon says hurriedly. He puts his phone in his back pocket and sighs. “Another Enzo situation.”

“Do you want me to come?”

“No, you stay here. I don’t want him anywhere near you, given he’s in one of his moods and would hurt you for no reason.” He gives you a quick kiss. “I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.”

He speeds out the door a moment later, leaving you alone in the large, empty house. You sigh. Your life is so full of supernatural drama, it’s hard to keep up. Honestly, you’re not even sure what the situation is with Enzo, or why he and Stefan hate each other so much, or how Damon knows what to do to de-escalate their arguments. Of course, Caroline debriefed you on it sometime ago, but with all the craziness happening lately, it pretty much went over your head. 

It’s been hard these last few months. Only recently had Damon returned to you from four months after being considered dead, alongside Bonnie, as the other side collapsed with him in it. Those months had been the hardest of your life, and you doubted your ability to make it through them. Losing your best friend and your boyfriend was something you never thought you’d have to endure, yet it happened. Losing them almost killed you, too. 

For three years, you were clean. You hadn’t touched a single blade since you and Damon got serious. He gave you a reason to stop without even knowing it, and with a lot of patience with yourself, you managed to kick the addiction. After he died, though, when you couldn’t bear to live without him, you picked it back up. Part of you is pissed for falling back into your old ways, but the other part has convinced yourself it’s what you need to do to survive. 

When he came back unexpectedly, you were filled with just as much panic as you were joy. You had him back, but had relapsed majorly, and now have to recount your old steps into being sober again. It hasn’t been easy. 

It’s been a couple days since your last time, and while your skin’s no longer bright and swollen, it seems to beg for your attention. You have to plan it carefully, making sure Damon will be gone long enough that he won’t sense the fresh blood. When he grabs your wrists to kiss your face, you don’t want to flinch in slight pain, or let him pick up a chance in your heartbeat. 

It’s such a complicated addiction to have when dating a vampire, yet fighting the urges are so hard, sometimes you can’t help but give into them. 

The blades in the bathroom are ready for you when you enter. A brand new pack sits in the drawer. The boys won’t miss one or two. The one time Stefan did notice, you blabbered a quick lie about needing one to scrape a bit of food dried to the stovetop. He was in such a rush that day, he didn’t catch any lie, and you were able to smile and flee the scene a moment later. Since then, you make sure to hold onto the one you have until there’s enough to not see one missing. 

With everyone seemingly involved in the Enzo situation, you don’t bother to shut the door completely before dragging the blade across your skin. The boarding house is empty, and this bathroom in particular is tucked away nicely behind the stairs. You make a few scattered cuts and watch the blood seep from them. It always seems to calm you in the most grotesque way, and, quite ironically, gives you the perfect dopamine rush that raises your spirits despite the pain. It’s a terrible addiction but with a high reward… until you have to hide the evidence. 

That little reminder makes you sigh. Too many scars are hard to hide, and with Damon back, you have to be careful. It would break him to see you this way; that thought alone makes you put down the blade. For a moment longer, you stare at the tricking blood, committing the sight to memory to maybe fend off the next urge. To imagine the blood on your skin may convince yourself it’s there, and maybe you won’t cut the next time you’re so desperate. Maybe. 

You reach for a piece of toilet paper to dab the wounds. The bleeding needs to stop before you crave another scare. It’s so tempting, but-

“Hey,” Damon appears suddenly, peeking through the door. His eyes are narrowed, as if sensing something’s wrong. “What are you doing?”

You turn to face him and hold your hands around your back quickly. “Nothing.”

“Are you sure?” He opens the door a little wider, seeing the reflection of your hidden hands in the mirror. “Let me see your arms.”

“I’m okay.” Nervously, you pull down your sleeves to hide your wounds as much as possible. Your eyes meet the floor, unable to lie if you look into his blues.

“No, you’re not.” He argues, anxious to see your face; to not let you shy away and avoid his gaze. His approach makes your heart race, confirming his worst fears. “Let me see.”

“I thought you were leaving. I thought Stefan needed you.”

“He does, but he can wait.”

“But-”

“You’re my first priority. I can tell something’s up. Please,” he brushes a hair away from your face, “let me in.”

“Damon, I’m fine.”

“You’re hurting, and I can smell the blood, and I’m really trying hard not to freak out right now.”

You huff at the realization that he could smell it. You should’ve waited for him to be gone longer before breaking your skin. “Promise me you won’t be mad.”

“Why would I be mad?”

“Just promise me.” Tears well in your eyes, but you let them fall, unwilling to take your hands off your sleeves. 

“Y/N, I promise. I could never be mad. Just let me see it.”

Slowly, you release your sleeves, but leave the task of rolling them up to him. You can’t bear to do it yourself. Damon takes one hand gently and pulls the sleeve back. Upon seeing the numerous cuts, he pulls the other back with a little more vigor, but is still careful not to hurt you. He stares, unable to speak or move, as his heart breaks with every passing second. 

“I’m so sorry,” you whisper. His eyes meet yours and you finally break down into tears. 

Without a moment of hesitation, he pulls you into a hug, wrapping his arms protectively around your body. You feel safe in his arms, you always do. Damon has a way about him that always makes you feel safe, no matter what anyone else thinks of him. He’s loyal and understanding, and that is part of the reason you feel so horrible for not telling him this. 

“I’m sorry,” you repeat, now sobbing into his chest. 

Your heart beats and reminds him that you are alive. The cuts made into your skin weren’t deep enough to take you. The pain you have been feeling hasn’t swallowed you whole. He concentrates on your breathing, and your crying, and uses it to anchor himself before asking the thousands of questions flooding his mind. 

He pulls away, finally, and wipes your tears with his thumbs. His hands grip your shoulders with a gentle desperation, as if he’s afraid you could dissipate at any moment. 

“Y/N…”

“I didn’t mean for you to find out this way.”

“Did you mean for me to find out at all?”

Your heart feels heavy as you reply, “honestly, no.”

“Why not tell me, Y/N? You know I love you. If you’re hurting, I want to be there for you.”

“I know… I guess I just didn’t want to disappoint you? Some part of me was embarrassed about it, and I didn’t want you to see me differently because of it. I don’t know.” 

“Baby, there’s nothing you could do that’d ever make me love you less. Nothing that would ever make me feel a different way, or see you in another light.”

“I know. I know my feelings are totally irrational, I just… they’re fears.”

“I understand.” He kisses your forehead, then releases your shoulders to hold your hands and kiss them, too. “Hey, can you promise me something?”

“I can try.”

“Come to me the next time you’re feeling like you want to hurt yourself, okay? Let me help you through it.”

“But-”

“It doesn’t matter what’s going on, or who’s texting, I will drop anything and put you first. But you gotta let me in when you need it. Okay?”

“Okay.” You take a deep breath. “Thank you.”

“Of course. Now,” he pauses, biting into his arm and holding it out for you to drink. His other hand meets the back of your head, stabilizing your neck to keep you comfortable. 

To his dismay, you refuse. You try to pull away, but his other hand prevents that, so you look down instead. “I can’t.”

“Y/N…”

“The scars are a reminder that I bleed. As soon as they fade away, the urge returns, but if they’re there for a little while, the urge is less strong. They’re kind of a comfort, I think. A reminder.”

“So you don’t want me to heal them?”

“I’d rather not. They don’t bother me too much. Do they bother you?”

You can see the hesitation in his eyes. He fights with himself, knowing the sight is a reminder of your pain, but understands their existence helps you heal. After a moment, he shakes his head. “No, baby, I only care that you’re safe.” He kisses them one more time. “Have you eaten much today?”

“Not really.”

“Well… do you mind if I make you something, even if it’s just something small, and then we can sit together on the couch? We’ll take today slow.”

“Okay. Wait, but what about Stefan?”

“Caroline can handle it. Then he’ll be in her debt and she’ll be happy about it,” he jokes.

You smile, appreciating his humor despite the somber mood hanging above both your heads. He’s the light in dark times, the much needed laugh that breaks the awkward silence. It’s part of the reason you fell for him so quickly. 

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Okay. And thank you.”

He pulls you in to kiss your forehead, then reaches for your hand. “Of course.”

[biasbuck]

BiAsBuck’s ficrec Fraturdays

Happy weekend everyone! So many loose ends tied up....except *eyes* oh I'm loving the season so far. Back with more fic that I've read and loved this week, with a mix of short one shots and longer stories. As always you can find previous rec lists here. Some light spoilers for the season.

19 October 2024

I did think, let’s go about this slowly by @pelorsdyke is a short and insightful peek into Karen's mindset at the start of hers and Hen's relationship, as she overcomes her own fears of adhering to stereotype and committing too hard and too fast. But she finds a way to balance her heart's wants with her mind's eye, and find a intimacy she can build on along the way.

I didn't know (that it could be good) by @rainbow-nerdss 'Eddie lets himself into Buck's apartment unannounced, and finds him in a compromising position. That should be nothing, just something to laugh about down the line, except afterwards, it's like a switch has flipped, and neither of them can get it out of their minds. The solution? They need to get it out of their systems.' Best friends that secretly hook up and don't question it because it feels good and that's their favourite person and nothing has to change right? trope my beloved. God this fic is absolutely swoonworthy, and I'm still giving it hearteyes for days. Do yourself a favour and read it right now.

please, please, please by @bookinit02 'So, a widower walks into a bar, and he hasn’t been held by someone he loves in years.' A touch starved Eddie starving for Buck's touch in particular! In which Buck subconsciously stops casually touching Eddie after he comes out, and Eddie notices and is not happy about it. Circa S7/S8, they soon set out to resolve the issue. Such a great exploration of a complicated yearning, and then I particularly loved their flirtatious bickering in this fic because it was so very very them and endearing as hell.

kerosene by @roguebuck is almost the flipside...a post 7x06 fic starting from the wedding, in which Buck isn't sure why 'nothing's going to change' unsettles him so much and why he can't get Eddie out of his head...even at the most inopportune times. But sometimes all it takes to make a change is for someone to pour the gas and light a match...and this fic sure does that!

the city is a jungle and i’m a beast by @putanauhere just in time for canon!werewolf Eddie, this is such a brilliant fic that really immersed me in the story, and was so well thought out to make the werewolf lore fit into 911verse smoothly. Eddie and his platoon were bit by a werewolf during his time in the army, and so as long as he's been with the 118 he's been keeping a secret. When a call to a magick shop goes awry, Buck's infodumping on the habits of wolves meets Eddie's reluctance to concede to superstition...but he's mostly desperate to hide. When Buck follows him to his safe house, things soon go awry, and together they must learn to live with the consequences. Perfect spooky season fic, and really emotional as well.

Any Other Way by @cal-daisies-and-briars I have been meaning to read this for weeks and am so glad I finally have! This is a fic where Eddie and Buck's lives take on each other's paths - an unattached and openly gay Eddie going on an aimless teenage wanderlust after his high school girlfriend left suddenly, and Buck signing up to the army to spite his parents. Then one day Eddie runs into Shannon at the grocery store...with a young boy at her side. This is a really wonderful fic about a lifechanging secret and stepping up to parenthood, overcoming fears and letting your guard down. I loved how despite the narrative switcheroo, their motivations remain true to themselves and their family at the core.

the sound of the saw (must be known by the tree) by @absolutelybifurious a fic inspired by the last episode of Grey's Anatomy I ever watched lmao. Eddie blames himself for Chris leaving, but Buck is frustrated that the time has stretched out so long, and is encouraging him to go get him. But Eddie doesn't want to hear it and they part on rocky ground with Eddie boarding a plane to El Paso for some wildfire training. When Buck receives a voicemail, the world shifts from under his feet, and the 118 race to save Eddie. This was passionate and angsty and the love sings off the page.

See you next week, trick or treat!!

[buddiebeginz]

Fandom I'm begging you all to wait and see how the season plays out. Everything right now seems to be pointing towards Buddie and sure I could be wrong but I also think it would be the shows downfall if they didn't make Buddie happen this season and I think Tim and abc know that.

This isn't just about catering to fandom whims this is that since right before s7 they've done so much to put focus on Buddie way more than with any season before. Deliberate choices have been made that if they're not leading to Buddie can't not be seen as queerbaiting. And yes a show with queer characters can still queerbait if they're using a popular queer ship to garner attention and views. Though I don't think that's what's happening here.

The only reason I think more didn't happen with Buddie last season is because the season was short and they got renewed for s8 early. You can tell if you watch from eps 1-6 that they were leading somewhere with Buddie (they had them singing a karaoke love song ffs) but changed gears after getting renewed for s8. At the same time Tim still didn't put more development or focus on b/t so it's not that Buddie happening was shelved (as in it's never happening) it was just paused.

Also I see people spiraling about that pic Ryan posted assuming because he's in a robe and because he put "Don Diaz" on it that it's a reference to Don Juan and this means Eddie is going to be hooking up with a bunch of women. I just don't see that happening. Ryan could have easily just been making a joke or trying to mess with fandom or it could mean nothing. It could be a Godfather reference. Or it could be something like Eddie tries to hook up with a random girl and he just can't do it and then that leads to him talking to the priest. Unfortunately we aren't going to know what that pic really means until the episode airs.

I know we've all been burned by the show (and other shows) before and I get being nervous about what could happen this season. But remember that Buck was supposed to come out in s4 (this has been confirmed by Oliver) and Eddie in s5 (this has been confirmed by the the insider) and presumably that's when Buddie would have happened. Buddie has been in the works for years. The main thing stopping it before was Fox and last season it was just too short to have Buck to come out, Eddie come out, and then Buddie to happen. 10 eps was just not enough time to tell such huge important stories for the show and these characters.

I know Tim and others behind the scenes of the show have made decisions we haven't always loved and maybe it's naive of me to still have trust in them after all this time but it's not just that. I see the signs. If I had seen more effort being put into b/t last season and into promoting them as a couple and especially if I saw that happening this season I'd be a lot more skeptical about the likelihood of Buddie ever happening. But I haven't seen any of that.

This season Tim has talked about how b/t are still together but he doesn't talk about the ship like it's this important thing, he talks about it like T*mmy is just like any other person Buck has dated. Meanwhile Eddie is ALWAYS mentioned when b/t are talked about including by Tim. Networks and showrunners know how to handle these kinds of things. If they wanted to minimize the attention Buddie gets they would have done so. We know this because that's exactly what they did in past seasons while they were with Fox, particularly after Tim left. Instead though since last season they've actually been putting more attention on Buddie, Ryan, and Oliver.

Like I said I get being nervous that something we've all hoped for for a long time might not happen. I know that Buddie and Eddie coming out means more to a lot of us than just some fictional characters and a ship. I know a lot of us see ourselves in them and we also see how important and groundbreaking in a way it will be when they finally go canon. I get why the anxiety around this season is heightened probably more so than any other season before it. We've never been as close to Buddie happening as we are now and that's so exciting but also scary.

But this is why I think we need to take every bts and spoiler etc that we get from the show and people involved in it (including the journalists who review it) with a grain of salt. We just aren't going to know what each episode is about until we watch them. Even when the season starts we need to remember to let the story play out. We might see things we won't like with b/t or Eddie in 801 but there will still be 17 more eps to get through where anything could happen.

We are so lucky that 911 is still on the air with most of the original cast still there and not looking to leave. That all the people that matter Tim, Oliver, and Ryan have all spoken out in support of Buddie happening. I've shipped non canon ships before that just were never going to happen, where showrunners and actors literally made fun of the fans for even shipping it. That's not what's happening with 911. Buddie now is being treated like a legitimate possibility we just have to be patient.

[outrunningthedark]

wait, wasn´t one common argument in defence of Oliver not promoting the canon ship he was in, that he knew it could end and he probaby did not want to "bait" anybody? So he was prepared to do "longing glances" even if a queer arc wasn´t approved or planed but talking about the queer relationship he actually got to play in was as step to far?

Interesting, isn't it? 🤔 I know why people are saying this kind of stuff - they cannot handle Oliver being "exposed" as less perfect than they believed him to be, especially when depicting a queer character - but "he didn't want to bait anybody" is a hollow argument when Oliver didn't know it was ending in s7 (Since knew Tommy wasn't going away after 7x06...logic would say he'd have been a bit more optimistic!) and actually, actively showing support for the ship only for it to end would have made him LOOK BETTER because NOBODY would be side-eyeing him and his need to please if he was showing love to the fans that actually appreciated what they were watching on screen. These fans are so worried about "looking like Buddies" by calling attention to behavior that doesn't sit right with them that they'd rather pretend there's not actually any suspect behavior to call out. Imagine caring about what an actor thinks of you when said actor speaks as though you don't exist anyway because you're not part of the majority? Lol.

[dotthings]

Finally!!! Some light and hope returns to S7. Made it through the Casless stretch to 7.17.

Some thoughts on Dean and Cas:

Dean's quest to save Sam leads him back to Cas. The mysterious breeze (we know who that is) shows Dean the taxidermy guy's card, and he tells Dean about Emanuel.

"Screw Cas" -- because Cas knocked down Sam's wall and then abandoned them, by dying, or so Dean thought, so Dean's still angry and hurt. Trying not to care, but he still cares

Oh the staring when they are face to face again. Dean cannot seem to stop staring at Cas. That's not me being poetic with a headcanon exaggeration, that's what's on the screen, I didn't make the rules.

Dean watches Daphne and Emanuel a little bit like how Cas watched Dean and Anna kiss. Less furtive. But the open-eyed wounded baby seal longing sense of wonder on Dean's face is stabbing me in the heart.

"What's your issue" -- how much time do you have Emanuel? Okay, in simple terms, Sam needs help. But the things Dean doesn't say is you!! you are my issue I loved you and you betrayed me and then died and I'm not okay I didn't want to lose you and I'm still mad but glad to see you again and I'm a mess and I've been angry grieving, that's my freakin' issue!!!

The golden-amber light washing over Dean and Emanuel's faces in the car. Light washing over Dean with Cas's return, first invented in S7.

Dean's treading carefully. He wants Cas back, he also doesn't want to disturb Emanuel's peace. And Dean's still upset and hurt and angry and not over it but also he's glad to see Cas again. Dean's going through it. And Dean can open up to Emanuel in ways he's not ready to with Cas. "You're angry...he betrayed you." "Yeah, well, he's gone....I used to be able to just shake this stuff off. You know. Whatever it was. Might take me some time but I always could. What Cas did--I just can't, I don't know why." YES I WONDER WHY THAT IS WHY DOES IT MATTER WHY DOES IT CUT SO DEEP "Well, it doesn't matter why." "Of course it matters." "No. You're not a machine, Dean. You're human." THERE IT IS. After a series of characters telling Dean to suck it up and deal, Emanuel is the one who looks at him and sees Dean's vulnerability and humanity and says it's okay. Some part of Cas is Emanuel, even if he has amnesia, it's instinct, it's things Cas wouldn't be able to open up and say, not at this point, but that he believes. Cas sees Dean even if he doesn't know himself right now.

"Now picture Crowley with his hands on harmless little amnesia Cas" -- soooo interesting how Meg tries to play Dean's worry for Cas into inveigling what she wants. She knows some things.

Dean's pissed at the idea of Meg using Emanuel and turning him back into "an angel sized weapon." He wants to do this carefully. He needs Emanuel to fix Sam, but he doesn't want Cas harmed or his peace shattered. This is Dean trying to let Cas rake leaves.

Dean also seems incredibly annoyed by Meg sidling up to Emanuel and trying to flirt. Protective. Jealous even.

"You just met yourself. I've known you for years." The way that's worded. Dean doesn't just say "I already knew you." He says for years. They've been through a lot. It's like Dean is feeling all of it.

Dean is finally persuaded, for Sam's sake, to let Emanuel break out the angel mojo, but he's reluctant. Knowing what this could do to Cas, the pain he'll experience if his memories return.

That SPN used Turn Into Earth by the Yardbirds, which was the band who became Led Zeppelin, for a music video montage of Cas's memories returning, where Dean is prominently featured in 98% of the images. ACTUAL THINGS SPN CANON DID. Making a Destiel fanvid and stuck it in an episode. Okay.

Where did Dean's anger fly off to? "If you remember then you know you did the best you could at the time." He doesn't think Cas is a bad guy. "Don't defend me." -- Cas has always taken responsibility for his screw ups. Always. And takes a lot on himself to atone. That is how the character has been and he's like that all the way through. And he comes back to fix it.

Dean pulling Cas's trenchcoat out of the trunk of the junker of the week and handing it to Cas. Dean kept it!!!! He didn't just stick it in storage, he moved it from junker to junker, for months, keeping the last piece of Cas Dean had left with him and Sam. The ep that aired isn't even as sentimental as the cut scene--the dialogue we saw in a promo "something in me always knew you'd come back"--yet it's unhinged enough as it is!!!!

"I should never have broken your wall, Sam. I'm here to make it right." Cas always tries to make it right.

Dean doesn't know what's going on as Cas walks over to Sam, and asks "Cas, what are you doing" a bit alarmed. Dean wanted Cas to fix Sam, and they both at first Cas could with just a touch to rebuild the wall, but the wall's crumbled. And there's only one way--for Cas to absorb Sam's Lucifer hallucination. It's Cas's decision, and it's done before Dean can even try to stop it. While Dean of course is glad Sam is okay--that's not how Dean wanted to get there.

At the time it seemed a bit cold that Sam and Dean parked mentally ill Cas at the asylum and left--we'd only just gotten Cas back on the show and he gets shoved off screen again. But there are contractual things--Misha was signed for a 4 ep arc. Looking at it in-story, Dean says he's worried they can't protect Cas, with all that's out there, between Crowley's demons and the leviathans, and Dean says they should leave Cas where he's safe. Watched over by one of their former enemies--but Meg is the only resource they've got who can do it and she's at least playing at being an ally and she does seem to like Cas. It's again Dean's version of letting Cas rake leaves, keeping him safe.

[megalony]

Get Your Sea Legs

This is an Eddie x reader x Evan imagine, this is a little fluffy holiday imagine. I am currently taking requests for the holiday ideas/ imagines. I hope you will all like it, let me know what you think.

Taglist: @justagirlthatlovedtoread @musicistheway @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @luula @missdreamofendless @bradleybeachbabe @woderfulkawaii @amberpanda99 @daggersquadphantom @marvel-and-chicago-fan @angryknightstatesmantrash @minjix @lyjen @kmc1989 @itsmytimetoodream @noonenuts @hiireadstuff @ashie-babie @classyunknownlover @jayyeahthatsme @sp1ritssz @dumb-fawkin-bitch @oliverstarksbae @gimatida @heart-35 @supernaturalstilinski @stefansalvatoresgf @kyky9103 @wutheringhearts2275 @gay4hotmilfs @itshamleth @chaoticnosleepinfluencer @gs29 @wh0reforsmutstuff @mel-vaz @natashamea18 @chrisevansdaughter @alexandra8484 @deena-beena-weena @targaryenluvs @shelbygeek @kpoplover-19 @marvelmenarebeautiful @gillybear17 @zoeybennett

Eddie Diaz Masterlist

Evan Buckley Masterlist

Part 2

Summary: (Y/n), Evan and Eddie take their kids on a cruise on holiday, and they have a lot of family fun and antics along the way.

(Not related to S7, no spoilers)

Enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A cheesy, lopsided grin flooded Evan's face when he opened his eyes and took a look around.

God, he felt like a child.

He felt like the biggest kid in the room, flooded with adrenaline and wide awake despite only just waking up. He was always the same whenever he went on holiday and it didn't matter where he was or who he had gone away with. Despite his turbulent relationship with his parents, Evan had been flying high whenever they used to go on little family holidays.

He had been over the moon when he and Maddie used to go on little weekend trips together when he was a teen and she was in nursing school. He lived for the weekends where she would come down and take him to the beach. Or when he was in college and the pair of them saved up and took a trip abroad, without Doug.

Evan had never been in a steady relationship long enough to go away with a partner; not until he got together with Eddie and (Y/n).

The three of them had taken a short trip away not long after they all got together, just the three of them. It had been the only holiday they went on without any kids because not long after that, they had Lois. Since then, all their holidays had been family vacations and it was something Evan loved. He loved taking the kids away and spending time going on hikes or in the pool or sitting on the beach with them.

Evan loved his family more than anything and he loved being on holiday with them. And this was their first holiday with Tilly.

"Morning," He couldn't hide the giddiness from his voice and he tilted his head down to look at one of his partners.

Eddie was curled up into Evan's side, an arm draped over his waist and his head laid out in the middle of Evan's chest. Evan could feel his boyfriend's curls tickling his neck and chin and he felt Eddie grumble something incoherent into his chest.

He pressed a sloppy kiss to the top of Eddie's head and began smoothing his hand up and down Eddie's bare back. Both of them had gone to sleep in their boxers. The heat outside was stiffling and they had to turn the A/C right up so cold air was blasting through the room all night so none of them melted.

"Are we gonna get up?"

"Nope." Eddie grumbled back into Evan's chest, pressing a soft kiss there before he nuzzled back down. He didn't bother opening his eyes. He didn't want to get up yet.

"Papa, are we going up for breakfast now?"

A grin spread across Evan's lips again and he stretched his arm out to grab his phone from the side table. It was past nine. They didn't usually sleep in this late when they were on holiday. Especially not Eddie, even on his days off Eddie's body clock usually got him up around seven or earlier.

Evan looked around the room that was cast in a dim glow from the closed curtains. He looked across to the right side of the room where the bunk beds were.

The kids were starting to wake up. Lois was on the top bunk and she was laid with her head and arms on the railing and a wide grin on her features which crinkled her eyes. And when Evan looked down, he could see Chris starting to stir on the bottom bunk.

"Yep, we're getting breakfast, girlie. Babe, come on." Evan pressed another kiss to the top of Eddie's head and held onto him while he started to sit up, forcing Eddie to sit up too.

A groan burned at the back of Eddie's throat and he could feel his head spinning the moment he sat up. He flopped his head back on Evan's shoulder and tried to open his eyes, but he felt like going straight back to sleep for another day. Or two. Or three.

Eddie quietly whined when Evan kissed him and proceeded to get out of bed. He didn't want to get up yet.

Who's bright idea was it to go on a cruise?

Eddie never realised he had a problem with being on the sea until the boat started moving. They all boarded the boat just fine late on Monday afternoon, but when it began to move in the evening, Eddie didn't feel so great. Neither did (Y/n) when she laid in bed and could feel the room dipping from left to right.

Then in the morning, they had been on rough tides and things didn't go so well. Eddie got halfway down the hall and had to turn around, crawl back to the room and throw up. (Y/n) tried taking the kids for lunch on deck with Evan but halfway up the stairs, a mixture of vertigo and sickness washed over her and Evan had to catch her before she fell. He ended up carrying her the rest of the way up the stairs and carrying her back to the room like she was drunk.

Chris and Lois had been fine, they seemed to take after Evan and were happy running about as if the swaying boat was normal and it didn't affect them at all.

Ava started to feel queasy into the evening and Tilly, their youngest, was unsettled last night.

Evan took all four kids to dinner last night and when they came back into the cabin at seven o'clock, both Eddie and (Y/n) were fast asleep. So Evan took the kids out for a walk in the night sea air.

"Come on, get your sea legs. We're supposed to be going in the pool today." Evan stood up and stretched his arms above his head.

He laughed and glanced across his shoulder when he began to walk away from the bed and Eddie reached out to slap his behind. He advanced over to the bunk beds and waited patiently for Lois and Chris to climb out of bed before he helped them pick out some clothes.

Eddie rubbed his eyes with the base of his hand and stood up, but he only walked three paces over to the other double bed in the room. With a hefty sigh, he flopped down on his stomach on the other bed where (Y/n) and Ava were just beginning to stir.

They had Lois and Chris in the bunk beds, Tilly was in the cot beneath the window. And since there were two double beds, they all decided to switch between the beds each night, depending on how tired they were and where they flopped down at the end of the night. Last night Eddie distinctly remembered falling asleep in bed with (Y/n), but he'd passed out for the full twelve hours.

And he woke up with Evan instead, meaning (Y/n) got up at some point to tend to the kids and ended up in the other bed with Ava.

"How are you girls doing?" He gruffed quietly while he flopped his right arm out and draped it across (Y/n)'s waist.

He reeled her close and shimmied from his stomach to lay on his left side, with (Y/n)'s back pressed up against his chest. His hand slipped beneath her pyjama top and he started to dance his fingers across her bump while he tilted his head down to kiss the back of her head.

"Bit better… still feel queasy though." (Y/n) couldn't be sure whether she was really feeling sea sick or if she was experiencing prolonged morning sickness which the boat was making worse.

They hadn't exactly planned for (Y/n) to be twenty weeks pregnant when they booked this holiday. But (Y/n) was thrilled she wasn't any further along. She didn't have a massive bump yet and other than morning sickness, she was doing okay. She could still get in the pool with the kids and walk round and they could leave the boat and go on excursions. The timing had worked out rather well.

(Y/n) groggily opened her eyes and leaned back into Eddie when Evan leaned on the other side of the bed and hovered over them. She smiled as Evan planted his hands down on the bed, kissed the top of Ava's head and leaned over to kiss (Y/n)'s lips.

"Are you lot getting up, we're all hungry?"

"Bring us back something to eat… please?" Eddie added a quick please on the end when he watched Evan smirk.

"What can you actually stomach?"

"Fruit."

Evan pressed another kiss to (Y/n)'s lips and a quick kiss to Eddie before he pushed up. He could see Ava was a bit too groggy to get up whereas he, Chris and Lois were all dressed and ready for breakfast. They could go and eat together and bring the rest of them back some fruit and a bit of toast. He knew by the time they got back, the rest of them would be up and ready.

When the bedroom door closed, they gave themselves another ten minutes to lie down and try to wake up before they bothered to get up and see how they felt.

Eddie dared to stand up and take a moment to see if his legs felt stronger and if his stomach felt more natural. He and (Y/n) had missed dinner last night which should have settled their systems. This would be their second day at sea, they should feel better by now and feel more acquainted at being on the waves.

He turned the music channel on the tv and moved to open the curtains, looking at the rolling waves actually made him feel a little better.

"Do you feel okay, mi amor?" Eddie held his hands out and carefully helped (Y/n) up. His hands moved to her waist and he held her close, pecking her lips when she smiled and nodded.

Twelve hours of sleep had done them both the world of good.

"A lot better… are we going swimming this morning?"

When Eddie nodded, (Y/n) knew they were both having the same idea. They may as well get dressed into their swim gear. No point taking the time to get dressed if all the kids were going to insist on going in the pool right after breakfast. They would probably spend the majority of the day in the pool; they all loved the pool and they were at sea today. The boat wouldn't port anywhere until tomorrow at midday.

"I've got the baby," He murmured against her lips and headed round to the cot where Tilly was beginning to stir. "Hi girlie,"

"Daddy," The two year old held her arms out expectingly and grinned when Eddie scooped her up and murmured 'Let's go get a shower' against her ruffled hair.

"Can we go in the pool now?" Chris swung his and Evan's entwined hands back and forth between them and stared up at his other dad. He smiled brightly when Evan grinned down at him as they walked down the stairs. He was letting Chris lead the way towards the room. The kids needed to remember and be able to find their way back to the cabin since they were going to be on this boat for almost two weeks.

"Sure, we'd better make sure everyone else is up and ready."

Evan cast his eyes down to his left where Lois was walking a step ahead of him. If she wasn't carrying a plate of fruit and toast, she would have been running down the corridor towards the room. But she had decided she wanted to bring the food back for her parents.

Evan knew the kids would be as desperate as he was to get in the pool today, they hadn't gone in yesterday. They had taken time to get used to where everything was on the boat. They'd done a quiz in one of the lounge rooms, played basketball while (Y/n) and Eddie sunbathed and felt seasick with Tilly. And then they watched a show until they all retired to bed.

Today was their day in the pool. Evan was already wearing his swim trunks, and so was Chris. And Lois was in her costume beneath her rainbow dress.

Reaching in his back pocket, Evan found the room keycard and swiped it over the door, letting the two of them walk in first.

A smile flooded Evan's face when he looked across at Ava. She had moved one of the chairs up next to the crib so she could stare out the window. Both her hands were pressed up against the glass along with her nose so she could stare out at the blue waves that rolled by and it made Evan's heart melt. None of the kids had been on a boat like this before.

All Ava could see was a mix of hazy turquoise blue with swirls of seaweed green which blended into the pastel blue colour of the sky. There were clouds rolling by in the distance, mingling with the mist in the far distance where a patch of rain was pulling in.

"Hungry, daddy?" Lois approached the bed Eddie was leaning over and placed the plate of fruit and toast beside him. She laid on her stomach on the bed and grinned when Eddie leaned across to kiss her temple. She could see he had gotten up and had a shower, his hair was still damp, he smelled of his usual leather scent shower gel. And he was now wearing his jet black swim trunks and a matching black vest.

"I am, thank you baby girl." He pinched a slice of toast and took a large bite before he looked down at Tilly with raised brows. The toddler was laid out on the bed on her back, sporadically kicking her legs out in front of her while Eddie tried to get her changed. "Alright cheeky, come on help me out."

Reaching down, Eddie scooped Tilly up and stood the two year old up in the middle of the bed once her legs were finally in her swim suit. He pulled the costume up and wrangled her arms into it, pulling it tight over her shoulders as Tilly started bouncing and bending her knees.

"Beautiful." He whispered softly and took the scrunchie off his wrist to gather Tilly's hair up in the middle of her head. Her thin wisps of hair gathered together and looked like an antenna spiked up, but it was an adorable look on her.

With a kiss to her cheek, Eddie handed her a slice of toast and set her down on the floor and he tossed an apple over to Ava. She needed to eat something before they got in the pool. Eddie took another bite of toast and slipped his sunglasses on top of his hair, but his lips quirked into a baiting smile when he watched (Y/n) walk out the bathroom.

And when Evan turned to the side and caught sight of her, he let out a low wolf-whistle and his lips formed into a wide smirk.

The teal blue two-piece (Y/n) had on was new; the boys hadn't seen her wearing it until now. It tied in a neat bow at the back of her neck and cut low down her chest. And the underwear that matched had a thin, string bow for decoration on each hip.

She was wearing a see through white swim shawl over the top. The material was paper thin but very soft, it hung just off her shoulders and stopped a few inches past her hips across her thighs.

(Y/n) leaned a hand on the wall so she could slip into her sandals, but her eyes looked herself up and down a few times. She wanted to bring her usual red and white swimsuit, but with her baby bump she wouldn't have been able to fit into it. And if she did, it would have been way too tight. The only option (Y/n) had was this two piece. And she wasn't sure about walking around showing off her stomach.

It was all well and normal to have the boy's hands and eyes lingering on her when she was pregnant, this was her fourth pregnancy. But (Y/n) was always self conscious when she was around strangers.

She wasn't used to going swimming when she was pregnant, but (Y/n) didn't want to be the only one not going in the pool. She could always sit in the shallow end with Tilly or even just sit on the edge and dip her legs in the pool.

"Will I do?" She murmured softly, gasping when Evan hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

"You look beautiful." He pressed a searing kiss to her lips and sank his teeth into her lower lip before he felt Chris tug on his shorts with a whine. The kids were rearing to go, they were starting to get impatient.

"Are we ready, troop?"

With a grin, Eddie tossed a banana across to (Y/n) so she would eat something before he looked around their family. He had Lois stood on his left, already holding his hand and swaying on his arm and he reached out onto the bed for the bag he had packed a few minutes ago. It had towels, Tilly's pull-ups and dummies and wipes in, a beaker for her, and space so they could keep their clothes dry while they were in the pool.

He hooked the bag on his shoulder and reached out for Ava who gladly took his other hand and moved towards the door.

"Come're baby," Evan reached down for Tilly when she tried to toddle after Eddie. He wasn't letting her walk around, she would get sidetracked and take her time and if she ran ahead of them she would definitely bump into people.

He smiled at the swimsuit Eddie had gotten Tilly changed into. She was wearing her lilac swim costume with blue and green flowers dotted around it and her cheeky smile was a match for Evan's.

"Pretty baby," He cooed when he picked her up and sat her high up on his chest so she could loop her arms around his neck.

(Y/n) rested her hand on Chris's shoulder and followed out after him, double-checking that both boys had a keycard each for the room so they didn't get locked out before they left. They headed down the corridor in a line and (Y/n) smiled as she and Chris moved ahead to catch up with Eddie.

Both Chris and Ava trotted ahead and waited at the bottom of the stairs for everyone else to catch them up. And when Eddie squeezed her hand, Lois ran ahead to follow the two of them. All the kids knew they could run ahead as long as they stayed within sight and were careful of other people passing by.

"Looking good." Eddie whispered with a grin and he moved his hand to rest on the small of (Y/n)'s back as they started to climb up the stairs.

"Thank you." (Y/n) grinned, poking her tongue between her teeth as she hooked her finger into Eddie's shorts and gave a sharp tug, letting the elastic snap back against his hips. She leaned her head back and looked up at Evan as they all ascended up the stairs.

"Least you two can walk today, although I'll carry you if you want me to." He leaned his cheek on top of Tilly's head, barely breaking a sweat as they climbed up four flights of stairs to get to the top deck. It was a relief to see Eddie and (Y/n) both climbing the stairs and not swaying to one side or looking like they were about to throw up. Clearly they were finally adjusting to being at sea.

Evan was the only one who had his sea legs from the moment they stepped on board. But he had always been a natural with water; he had tried out for the navy at one point too.

As soon as the three kids got to the top and ran out into the sunshine, they came to a stop and turned round. Ava had hold of Chris's hand, the five year old was always afraid of being left behind or becoming lost. And Chris never minded guiding his younger sister along and holding her hand to keep her safe.

"Which way?"

"Left, we're off to the outdoor pool."

It felt good to be out in the sunshine. They all knew if the weather had been stormy and raining, it would have dampened their day since they couldn't leave the ship. But standing out on deck with the sun blistering hot and a slight breeze cutting around them felt lovely.

(Y/n) felt Evan's hand move to her shoulder as they walked single-file, weaving between the plastic tables and chairs set out for breakfast.

They walked through a set of doors, passed through an indoor dining area and headed back out into the sunshine towards the pool.

There weren't as many people out here as Eddie expected. He figured some of the older people may have gone into one of the lounge bars, there were a lot of quizzes on throughout the day and music shows. Entertainment was a big thing since they weren't at any ports today.

"No running." Eddie's voice was loud and stern enough to stop all three kids in front of him. They came to an abrupt stop and glanced over their shoulders to watch Eddie arch a brow at them before he flipped his sunglasses down over his eyes. He didn't want them running round here. There was water everywhere from people getting in and out of the pool and from the boat swaying side to side, sloshing the chlorine about.

If the kids ran along here they would skid, and Chris didn't have his crutches which made him more unsteady on his feet. They didn't want any accidents on this holiday.

His lips curved into a grin and he looked to the left when he felt (Y/n)'s hand slip into his and she curled her free hand around his arm. She didn't want to slip either. Her head leaned on Eddie's shoulder and she pressed a soft kiss there while he followed over to the four deck chairs the kids had comandeered for them. Right in front of the pool.

"Pool!" Tilly bashed her hand down excitedly on Evan's shoulder and started to squirm when he peppered kisses against her cheek.

"Let's get ready, then."

Evan sat down on the end of one of the navy blue deck chairs and stood Tilly between his legs. He pinned his knees into her sides so she couldn't try and run off anywhere without him or else she would end up in the pool unsupervised.

He whipped off his shirt and tossed it over to Eddie since he had the bag and kicked his shoes beneath the deck chair.

(Y/n) slipped off her sandals and curled her legs beneath her on the chair, taking a moment to look around. There was a large screen just above the dining area, playing random eighties music videos. And there were a few other families with young children about which was good for the kids if they wanted to mingle. Not that many of them would, they were all too shy for that.

"Glasses please," (Y/n) held her hand out towards Chris and put his glasses on the small plastic table beside her chair. He didn't need to wear them when he was in the pool.

All the kids were eager to get in. Chris had taken off his shirt and shoes, Lois and Ava had stripped their dresses and tossed them at Eddie and Tilly was squealing. None of them wanted to wait.

"I'll take some pictures of you all."

"You not coming in yet?" Eddie took off his glasses and stood up just as Lois grabbed his hand, trying her best to direct him towards the pool.

"Not yet, I'll join you all in a bit." (Y/n) needed to wake up a little more first and the kids could burn some energy with Eddie and Evan first. Then (Y/n) would get in and probably stay in the shallow end with Tilly and stick to paddling with her for a while.

She smiled when Eddie leaned down to peck her lips and she felt Evan kiss the back of her head before they moved towards the pool.

"Ava, with me please baby." Evan held his hand out and shimmied Tilly higher up on his left hip. Ava couldn't swim well yet, she would need to stay in the shallow end with him and Tilly. Whereas Chris and Lois were fairly good and could go further in with Eddie.

Eddie sucked in a deep breath when he climbed down the steps. God, it was freezing. He tensed his shoulders and held his breath before he sank down and submerged under the water to get it over with. If he didn't the kids would splash him and shock his system. He could feel shakes rattling through him and he grinned when he broke through the surface and Lois climbed in, squealing at how cold it was.

He began doing laps with Chris while Lois followed alone doing backstrokes. Every now and then, Eddie looked across at the shallow end and he grinned. He and Evan were going to have to swap soon, it wasn't fair to leave Evan in the shallow end and Ava got clingy when she got nervous in the pool.

Evan knelt down on the bottom of the pool and held Tilly just above the surface so she was laid on his palms on her tummy. She was kicking her legs out and splashing her arms, grinning when Evan turned her in circles to make it seem like she was actually swimming.

"Papa,"

"Come here then," He waved a hand out towards Ava, she had been swimming from one side of the shallow end to the other.

He watched with a grin as she held her head high and tried to swim over to him. He was still in the shallow end but he was more towards the middle since he had been swimming around in random patterns, weaving between the other people in here. There weren't many people in the middle.

As soon as she reached him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to his shoulders so tightly she almost pushed Evan under the surface.

"Papa- papa don't let go!"

"Ava, baby it's not deep." Evan cringed when Ava pressed her chest into his back and dug her arms tight around his neck. She would just about touch the floor if she put her legs down. She wasn't going to drown if she stayed around this level and didn't go any further.

He couldn't hold onto her and keep hold of Tilly at the same time, not without a struggle.

"Baby, come round here, I won't let go I promise."

He struggled to lean back and he tilted Tilly high up on his chest with her head on his shoulder while he curved his right arm behind him and held onto Ava. He weaved her round through the water and smiled when he had them both on his chest. That was better.

He lifted his legs up and took a deep breath, floating on his back to keep the girls in front of him and above the water.

Leaning forward, (Y/n) sighed and pulled the thin swim shawl over her head and laid it out behind her on the deck chair so people would know it was occupied. She smoothed her palm across her stomach, as if making sure the baby wasn't about to wake up and come alive, before she pushed up and slowly padded across towards the pool.

Her eyes landed on Eddie as he and Chris had a race back to the side of the pool. He was clearly hanging back to let Chris go ahead of him and the sight made (Y/n)'s heart melt.

She walked over to the edge of the pool and slowly sank down until she was sat on the side with her legs dangling in the water. She slowly kicked her legs back and forth, smiling when the boys swam over to her. Chris patted her thigh and beamed up at her when she dragged her fingers through his messy curls and pushed them away from his eyes.

"You're doing good, baby." She pecked his temple, but her attention turned back to Eddie when he swam over.

His hands immediately found her thighs and raked up towards her hips and he stood between her thighs, leaning up into her with a shark-tooth grin. His elbows pinned down on her thighs and (Y/n) could feel his fingers digging into her hips while he attached his lips to her stomach.

"Coming in yet?" He murmured against her stomach, smiling at the shiver that tore through (Y/n) while she ran her fingers through his hair.

All the water dripped onto (Y/n)'s legs and stuck to her stomach, but she didn't mind. She would get in the pool soon and join them.

"I will once I get a drink, you boys want one?"

"Nope; just you."

"Eddie-" She tried to warn him when she felt his hands rake down to grip her bum. But her arms deadlocked around his neck and she gasped when he pushed back and dragged her down off the side. Her legs hooked around his hips and she closed her eyes, feeling the water flip over them both like a tidal wave.

The cold water completely drenched her and had her body shaking as Eddie pushed up so she didn't completely submerge beneath the surface. He let her lean into his chest that rumbled as he laughed into her neck.

"You twat." She hissed in his ear but she couldn't hide her grin as she unlocked one arm from around him to push her soaked hair back on her head, away from her eyes.

Her hands moved to cup his face and she pulled him close, taking a deep kiss from his lips that she bit down on to make him groan. She grazed her foot down along his thigh so she could swat her foot against his bum in the water before she tried to stand up and uncurl from around him.

"I'm getting a drink."

The small smile on (Y/n)'s lips told Eddie she wasn't annoyed; she couldn't stop herself from smiling despite now being drenched from head to toe. With adrenaline shooting through her blood and the baby twisting and livening up in her stomach.

She kissed Lois's temple on her slow walk through the water towards her other man and the girls.

Her hands found Evan's shoulders and she attached her lips to the side of his neck, smiling at the girls. Tilly was sat in the shallow end, happily splashing her arms out in the water. And Ava was sat down a little further into the shallow water where Evan was knelt in front of her.

"Anyone need a drink?"

"Please- did you do a dive or something?" Evan dragged his eyes up and down (Y/n)'s frame while he curved an arm around her waist and reeled her into his chest. She didn't normally go straight in the deep end and she was drenched from head to toe like the rest of them.

"Daddy pulled mum in." Lois answered as she shook her head to get the water out her ears.

"Oh. I guess he woke someone up then?" His arm curved tighter around her waist so he could press his hand against her stomach where the baby was wriggling. He felt (Y/n) hum into his neck that she started to kiss before she looked back down at the girls.

"Ava, you and Tilly can come and get a drink with me… why don't you four play chicken?"

(Y/n) reached out for Tilly and hoisted her up. The two year old was starting to try and drink the water and if she did that she would make herself sick. She could have a break and get a drink and Ava could let Evan have a break since she had been clinging to him since the moment they got in the pool.

"Papa, can we?" Lois tugged on Evan's hand when he nodded. There weren't many people in the pool meaning they had the space for Eddie and Evan to have a kid on their shoulders to try and push each other into the water.

"Sure," He leaned down and held both Lois's hands, grinning madly as she screamed in delight when Evan effortlessly swung her up and sat her on his shoulders. The seven year old held his biceps to stay steady on his shoulders and she could hear Eddie shouting 'Oh no' as he moved to get Chris so they could gear up for a game.

(Y/n) sucked in a deep breath as she looked up at Evan, where Lois excitedly squealed "Get a video mummy!"

"I will baby, I promise." She pulled her lower lip between her teeth to obscure her smile when Evan pushed up from his knees to stand tall in the pool. Water poured off of him in gushes and the sun shone down on him and made his radiant smile beam and shine out. His eyes squinted from the combined water and bright rays of sun.

And stood there with his chest out, his arms tense and bulging and their eldest daughter on his shoulders, he made (Y/n)'s knees go weak.

She let him reach one hand out for her and hold her chin, tilting her head back enough so he could lean down for a kiss. He balanced Lois expertly on his shoulders so he could steal (Y/n)'s breath as he kissed her. His chest panted when he pulled back, but he started to laugh when Tilly reached out for him.

"Jealous bum," He mumbled as Tilly grabbed him a little roughly by the face, patting her hands on his cheeks as she pulled him close so she could have a kiss too. She was never one to be left out.

"Ava, come on sweetie."

(Y/n) set Tilly down on her feet and held her hand while she held her other hand out for Ava.

The three of them toddled towards the bar with (Y/n) slightly stooped over so she could keep hold of Tilly. The youngest girl was a menace and she would wander off wherever she wanted if someone didn't pick her up or hold her hand.

When they got to the bar, (Y/n) leaned down and scooped Tilly up so she could sit the toddler down on the bar. She nudged her nose against Tilly's cheek and gave her a kiss, arching her back out while her arms curved around her littlest girl.

"What are you having, sweetie?"

"Coke please… mummy they're playing." Ava tugged on (Y/n)'s arm and leaned up against her leg.

She moved her arms so they were wrapped around (Y/n)'s stomach and she gently kissed her tummy, causing her mum to smile down at her. She stayed leaning against her mum while her eyes focused on the pool.

Evan had Lois on his shoulders, Eddie was holding up Chris and both kids had locked hands and were currently pushing each other to try and knock the other into the pool. Ava let out a loud, excited squeal when she watched Lois give Chris a hard push and he and Eddie yelled as they toppled backwards and dunked under the surface.

"Papa and Lois won!"

Evan gave Lois's sides a squeeze and grinned up at her as she leaned down to kiss his temple.

They both watched Eddie and Chris resurface and Eddie shook his head, groaning as he tried to rid the water from his eyes and shake it loose from his eyes and his hair. He dragged his fingers through his hair as he swam closer until he was in front of them.

"Okay, next round is ours." Eddie tilted Evan's chin up so he could snatch a kiss and drag a finger across his jaw.

He shuffled back a few paces and hunched down so Chris could climb back onto his shoulders. "Come on, dad, we have to win."

"Mum, can I go record them?" Ava leaned back so she could look up at (Y/n) and she gently took the plastic cup of coke she was handed. She knew whenever they played games like this, someone always recorded them. And she knew both her dads would want to send the pictures and videos across to their auntie Hen and auntie Karen.

"Go on then."

Turning round, (Y/n) pressed a sloppy kiss to Tilly's cheek as she gently set the toddler down in front of her legs. She could see Ava trotting over to the deck chairs so she could find (Y/n)'s phone in her bag.

(Y/n) grabbed the tray of drinks and held them up high so she could see where Tilly was and keep an eye on her. She couldn't carry the drinks and Tilly and she couldn't put Tilly in the pool yet without supervision. She smiled when she saw Ava sat cross-legged on one of the chairs, drink in one hand and camera in the other as she recorded their family.

"Tilly, come here please." She kept her voice stern so Tilly would listen; all the kids listened whenever the boys talked in that tone of voice.

"Daddy, daddy." She paused for a moment and turned to look back at (Y/n) before she pointed ahead.

"He's in the pool. Wait for me."

She rounded the side of the deck chair and placed the tray of drinks down. It was easier to get all the kids and the boys a drink because (Y/n) knew once they got out, they would down a drink each and then climb straight back in. She could see Ava had downed most of her coke already.

"Tilly." (Y/n) hissed and weaved around the deck chair to hurry after her youngest who wasn't listening.

Her little eyes had locked on both her dads and her other two siblings and she was on a mission to get to them.

"Well, push." Eddie all but groaned as he looked up at Chris and urged him to move and put a little more effort into it. He needed to knock Lois over or she and Evan would have two games up on them. They needed to win at least one round before they switched partners and Eddie had Lois on his team.

He gave Chris's hips a squeeze and tried to stand up a bit taller to give Chris more of an advantage since he was taller than Lois. But Evan simply grinned and pushed up on his toes to make Lois that much higher in retaliation.

Eddie glanced his eyes to the left for a split second and his eyes landed on (Y/n) walking over with a few drinks. He smiled to himself and looked back at Evan who seemed determined to win another game.

But Eddie's stance froze and his eyes snapped to the left again when he heard Tilly scream.

A thunderous splash echoed through the air and made Eddie jolt. All he saw was a flash of purple and a wave of water splutter up and splash far enough to cascade across Evan's back.

She had fallen in.

She fell in the deep end.

"Tilly!"

"Fuck!" Eddie dug his fingers a little too harshly into Chris's waist, causing him to yelp as Eddie hoisted him up over his shoulders and held him out towards Evan.

Evan kept one hand on Lois while he grabbed Chris's arm with the other to make sure he could get himself settled and floating in the water. He couldn't move before Eddie was yelling "She's fell in!" as he pushed away and dove down into the water.

He hooked an arm around Chris's waist while he leaned back so Lois could slide off his shoulders and get into the water. She swam round his side and clung to his other arm and Evan moved both kids so they were in front of him. His arms stayed tight around them and he pushed forward, dragging them with him as he watched in panic.

He could just about see Eddie's black trunks beneath the water and his eyes locked onto (Y/n). She was knelt down on the edge, both hands gripping the side of the pool so tightly she was going to cut her palms. He could see the debate in her eyes but she didn't dive in.

Eddie had told her not to. He shook his head. He would get Tilly.

(Y/n) could feel Ava's hands on her shoulders and it made her realise that she was shaking.

She had been so close to Tilly, she was about to reach out for her when the toddler's foot slipped in a puddle and she toppled over. She wasn't a good swimmer. She loved being in the water and flapping about but she hadn't even started taking lessons yet. And as much as she didn't mind being splashed, she didn't like going underwater.

She could see all the other people in the nearby deckchairs had stood up and were all crowding round the edges of the pool. The few other people in the pool were getting closer and another man went under the surface to try and help. It only made (Y/n)'s stomach twist and made her sure she was going to throw up.

Everyone could of screamed when Eddie finally resurfaced again.

He coughed, spitting the little water he had inhaled while he blinked furiously to try and gather his senses and his surroundings. He took a deep breath and pushed onto his back, using his right arm to keep himself afloat while his left hand secured his youngest girl against his chest.

Tilly's head flopped back against his chest as she spewed water and grogged, trying to scream but she didn't quite have the air yet.

"I gotcha, baby girl. You're okay, daddy's got you."

Pushing forward, Eddie lifted Tilly higher up and swam to the side of the pool. He carefully handed her over to (Y/n) before he grabbed the edge and heaved himself up out of the water that suddenly felt dense and heavy like it was trying to drag him back under.

"Is she alright?" Evan hoisted Chris and Lois up out of the pool and clambered up too, following his partners as they quickly hurried over and sat down on a deck chair.

(Y/n) sat down with Ava and let Eddie lift Tilly back out of her arms. He sat down on the chair in front of her with Evan slumped down against him and Evan's chin perched on his shoulder. While Lois and Chris sat down with (Y/n) and Chris wrapped his arms around (Y/n)'s neck and leaned his cheek on her head.

"She's fine, she's breathing. Deep breaths, baby girl. That's it." Eddie kept his left hand on Tilly's chest and rubbed forceful circles along her back with his right hand. He patted her shoulders every few seconds until she coughed up all the water she had inhaled and she was finally back to screaming.

She flopped over Eddie's arm and coughed. Water dripped off them both and created a puddle on the chair and on the wooden floor beneath them, but it didn't matter.

"You should have waited for me." (Y/n) murmured softly, moving one hand to hold Chris's arm that was around her neck while she leaned over to kiss Tilly's head.

"You gave us a fright, baby." Evan rubbed his finger against Tilly's cheek while he kissed Eddie's neck, murmuring a soft "Well done," into his skin.

With a sigh, Eddie lifted Tilly up and turned her around so she was facing his chest. He slowly sank back against the chair, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling of his drenched skin sticking to the burning hot chair. He tilted his head back and stretched his legs out, feeling the sun beaming down on them while he tried to catch his breath back.

His chest panted and heaved, especially with Tilly now weighing down on him, but he didn't care. He wrapped both arms tightly around her and let her curl up into his chest. Her face tucked into his neck as she began to cry, cough and whimper while Eddie pressed his lips to the top of her head and quietly shushed her.

"Okay baby, you're okay. No more swimming this morning, I don't need a heart attack just yet." Eddie smiled when he felt Evan kissing his temple.

Evan ran a hand through his hair and shook off a bit more water before he opened his arms when Lois and Ava shuffled across onto his deck chair. He sat each of them on his lap and moved to recline in the same manner as Eddie, hugging the two girls to his chest. While (Y/n) stayed sat up on her chair, clinging to Chris who was pressing down on her back and kissing her cheek.

"This holiday's off to a great start."

A grin spread across Eddie's lips and he poked his tongue between his teeth, smothering his laugh when he felt both Evan and (Y/n) reach out to slap his thighs.

"Don't you jinx us, Eddie."